Episode 434The Parable of the Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)

This week BibleWorm reads Matthew 25:1–13, the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids who go out to meet the bridegroom but fall asleep when he is delayed. The five wise bridesmaids have enough oil to make it to the wedding, but the five foolish ones neglect to bring extra oil and so are shut outside. Once again, this parable warns us that the kingdom of heaven will be delayed and then come all at once, so we must always be prepared. We wrestle with the individuality of this parable. Why can’t the five prepared bridesmaids just share their lamps with the unprepared ones? But ultimately we conclude that there are just some things we have to do for ourselves—and keeping oil in our metaphorical lamps is one of them. Like it or not, no one can live a righteous life for us. It’s up to us to be prepared.