30th March 2025 - Peter Grainger
March 29, 2025

Matthew 25:1-13

Introduction

What’s the purpose of playing hide and seek?

Jesus’ followers are naturally anxious to know when his return will happen, but he tells them that

knows when the day will be.

He warns that they must make sure that they are

for his return.

In ancient Jewish weddings there were three stages: The

, where a formal settlement was made. This was followed by the , a ceremony held in the house of the bride’s parents…Finally, after a lapse of about a ear there was the .

What is important about these ten young women?

Expectation & Delay

In the story, the bridegroom is

by the ten girls, but he is a long time in coming.

Where should we see Jesus in this part of the parable?


From a human perspective, that soon does not seem very soon but very –so much so that some people, even in the days of the apostles were not only questioning the delay in his return but even and that it would happen.
The day of the Lord-the return of Christ-will come in God’s time, but it will be .

Preparation & Disarray

It is tiem for the bridesmades to fulfil their function: to

the bridegroom and to the bridal party through the village into the wedding banquet at the groom’s home.
What is the difference between the two groups of bridesmaids?


The main point is that each of the ten girls had a - the potential for giving illumination, but only five of them possessed the to make it a reality.
When Jesus returns, it will be too late to seek .

Celebration & Dismay

The end of time, the return of Christ, is a time for great

which the Bible often likens to the festivities at a wedding banquet.
What is the biblical parallel to the closed door in the parable?

Conclusion

What is the final point of the parable?


The last chapter of the Bible contains a invitation.
Jesus is coming, or not.