Lamps Ready for the Feast

Jesus told a story about ten young women waiting for a bridegroom to arrive at his wedding feast.

They all carried lamps. In those days, lamps needed oil to keep their little flames burning.

Five women brought extra oil. The other five brought lamps but no extra oil.

The young women prepared their lamps and waited.

The bridegroom was delayed. The night grew late, and everyone felt sleepy. At last they all fell asleep.

At midnight a call announced that the bridegroom was coming.

Everyone woke up and tended her lamp.

Those without enough oil saw their lights going out. They asked the others for oil, but there would not be enough for everyone.

They went to buy more.

While they were away, the bridegroom arrived. The women who were ready went into the feast with him, and the door closed.

The burning lamps lit the way.

When the others returned, it was too late to enter.

Jesus invited us to be ready to welcome him.

That does not mean being afraid or staying awake all night. Everyone in the story slept. The difference was their preparation.

We can get to know Jesus today, talk with him, and let his Spirit help us live with love.

Someone else's trust in God cannot take the place of our own. Our families can guide us, and we can learn to trust too.

We care for that friendship each day by listening, asking forgiveness, sharing, and doing good with his help.

We wait for Jesus with hope.

Our parable series ends here. We can enjoy the stories again and keep learning about Jesus' love.