Wise or Foolish/Oil or no Oil?

Christ made provision for us to inherit the Kingdom, but The Kingdom requires preparation !

 Is Christ here yet? NO! Is he going to return? YES!

 Chapter 25

Christ gives warning and instruction for those who would enter the Kingdom!

Christ shares, through  parable, a challenge.

A Parable is a statement or short story that Christ would use to illustrate  truth, or spiritual principle.

By use of comparison the hearer can make judgement upon himself.

The disciples had  asked Jesus to explain to them when all these things would take place (the signs of his return, etc. chap 24)  Jesus gave them no specific date or time but did tell them the signs to watch for.

Here in Chap 25: 1-13 he gives the illustration of what it will be like among those who wait for his kingdom.

Five Wise bridesmaids, Five Foolish. Why?

In Jewish tradition the bridegroom would go to the brides home for ceremony. Then the bride and groom, along with a great processional, would return to the grooms house for a feast. Often lasting an entire week. The ten bridesmaids were waiting to join the procession, in hopes to take part in the great marriage feast and celebration. But, when the groom did not arrive at the expected time, five of the ten ran out of oil and had not made preparation in case of a delay.

The Five wise brought extra oil along with them.  Five didn't. The wise kept their lamps full just in case the groom didn't come at the expected time. The bridesmaids who were not prepared for a delay tried to borrow oil from those who were.

Spiritual preparation cannot be borrowed!!  By the time the foolish went to buy more oil it was too late! The groom had come and the celebration had begun. Those who were prepared went in to be with the groom, the others were locked out! (vrs 10)

This speaks about how each person is individually responsible for their own Spiritual preparation. In order to inherit the kingdom and to participate in the greatest celebration, each one must be prepared no matter how long it takes for the Lord to return for his bride.

Even if it seems the Lord is taking a long time to receive his bride, it is up to each one of us individually to keep our lamps lit and to keep oil in our lamp at all times.

So stay awake because you don't know what day or hour the Lord will return!