The 10 Bridesmaids

The 10 Bridesmaids

Q: The foolish bridesmaids

• a. took lamps but no extra oil for the lamps.
• b. arrived in the wrong clothing.
• c. didn’t show up.

Jesus wanted people to understand what it meant to be ready for his return, so he told the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. The bride and groom went to the wedding ceremony. Then there would be a procession and a wedding banquet. The 10 bridesmaids wanted to take part in the procession and the banquet, so they took their lamps and went out to meet the wedding party.

While the bridesmaids were waiting with lamps lit, the lamps ran out of oil. Five of the bridesmaids had brought extra oil, so they filled their lamps and were ready. But five of the bridesmaids were foolish and hadn’t brought extra oil. While they were away buying oil, the procession went by. Those who were ready went on to the feast, but the others missed out.

Jesus wanted people to understand that they must be prepared for heaven. If they wait, it may be too late. Everyone is responsible for his or her own decisions, and the wise decision is to accept Jesus and be ready either for Jesus’ return or to enter heaven upon death.

For You

Are you ready for heaven? How do you know? Share your answer with someone today. If you aren’t sure of the answer, talk with a parent, youth pastor, or Sunday school teacher about it.

Answer: a

The Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.   Matthew 25:1-4

(The Whole Story: Matthew 25:1-13)