The Parables of Jesus: Awake and Waiting (Matthew 25:1–13) - Pastor Donnell Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 11:00am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard 

Summary:

In this sermon, Pastor Donnell Wyche explores Jesus’ parable of the ten young women waiting for the bridegroom, highlighting how it invites us to live with spiritual readiness, not fear. He reminds listeners that the parable isn’t about purity or moral worth, but about preparation — about having “oil” that lasts through the long night. The wise and foolish alike had lamps and fell asleep, but only those who brought extra oil were ready when the bridegroom arrived. The oil, Pastor Donnell explains, represents a cultivated inner life — the presence and power of the Holy Spirit that can’t be borrowed, rushed, or replicated at the last minute. Throughout the message, Pastor Donnell contrasts outward forms of faith with inner transformation. “You can fake a lot of things,” he says, “but only oil burns in the dark.” Faith is not proven by appearance or performance, but by the life we nurture in God’s presence — the quiet, often hidden rhythms of prayer, trust, and love that sustain us when life stretches longer than expected. This is the wisdom of readiness: living with a steady heart, anchored in God’s timing rather than our own. Ultimately, the sermon turns from warning to invitation. The bridegroom’s coming isn’t meant to spark fear but joy — a procession into divine intimacy. Being ready, Pastor Donnell teaches, is about keeping our hearts tender, our love enduring, and our lamps tended through the long night of waiting. He ends with a simple spiritual practice: light a candle this week, sit quietly for two minutes, and pray, “Lord Jesus, fill me again with your light.” In this small act of stillness, we make space for the oil that cannot be faked — the Spirit’s enduring presence within us.