Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 24:36 “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels of heaven nor the Son —except the Father alone.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4 but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’
7 “Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’
9 “The wise ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’
12 “He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’
13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
Matthew 24:3 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24 can be read as a three-act play about the end times.
Matthew 24:12-14
12 Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that he is near—at the door.
Matthew 24:42 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes.
Focused Assignment
Act 1- Enduring Love
Act 2- Discernment for the Things of God
Act 3- Alertness & Mindfulness to God's Work
Matthew 25:13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
This is a parable about discipleship, waiting, patience, and preparedness.
What is the character of our waiting?
Enduring Love
Discernment
Alertness/Mindfulness
2 Timothy 1:6-7
6 Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
