1. Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

2. This is a parable about being ready and a parable of Christ’s committed love to you

3. Take a Minute to Read the Parable Seriously, read it

4. Weddings in Biblical Times Three stages of a Jewish Wedding: Stage 1 – Arrangement -Parents arrange the marriage -John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” -If the bride consents, the bridal price is set -The groom pays the price -1 Cor. 6: 20 “You were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” - Contract is signed

5. Stage 2 - Betrothal 100% married, just not consummated Takes a divorce or death to break Bride stays living at her home Groom leaves to build an addition onto his father’s home for his new bride John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

6. Stage 2 - Continued Only when the father says the house is ready can the groom set a date to go fetch his bride “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matt. 24:36 The bride and bridal party eagerly wait for the groom to return

7. Stage 3 – Marriage Ceremony & Supper Unexpectedly the groom returns with his groomsmen blowing the trumpet and announce his coming The wedding party would wait outside the chamber while the bride and groom consummated the marriage Everyone would rejoice and the marriage super begins Parade of torches to the bride and groom’s new home Party time! Everyone else is locked out while the celebration ensues

8. Let’s Give this a Second Look

9. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air & thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16-17

10. What’s the Lamp? What’s the Oil? The Lamp is the Word - “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119:105 Oil is salvation accompanied by the Holy Spirit - “When He the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13

11. What’s the Big Deal No oil - the lamp is useless No oil - no light Carrying a torch not equal to having a flame No Spirit, no salvation Too late to get Christ, salvation and the Spirit once the wedding begins.

12. …But I’m in the Wedding Party!!! “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!’” Matt 7:21-23

13. The Bottom Line “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matt. 25:13