11-04-2025 PART 1: Ready Lamps, Ready Hearts: the Call of Matthew 25

Section 1
Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1 continues the same end-times discourse begun in Matthew 24; the chapter break is editorial, not a shift in Jesus’ topic. He is still answering the disciples’ questions about His return, using this parable to stress ongoing vigilance. The narrative frame—ten bridesmaids taking lamps to meet the bridegroom—sets the scene for a lesson on spiritual readiness rather than a new, unrelated teaching.

Section 2
The bridesmaids (literally “virgins,” signifying purity) carry lamps because the meeting happens in the dark—an image of a world that requires real, inner preparation. The dividing line is “oil”: the wise bring extra; the foolish bring none. Lamps without oil picture outward form without inward reality. Throughout Scripture, oil most often represents the Holy Spirit; true readiness therefore means ongoing fellowship with Him—“the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” External appearance isn’t enough; authentic preparedness is fueled from within.

Section 3
All ten fall asleep while the bridegroom delays—mirroring how believers can grow drowsy over time—yet the midnight cry demands immediate readiness. God’s timing is perfect; what feels like delay to us is not delay to Him (“a thousand years as a day”). The takeaway is simple and urgent: whether or not we feel ready, the Bridegroom is certainly coming. Wisdom is to keep the lamp trimmed and the oil replenished—living alert, Spirit-filled, and prepared for His sure return.