2. Matthew 25.10-13 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Scripture Reading

3. Prepared for Heaven?

4. Parable of the Ten Virgins Familiar Passage Well Known The lesson has been drilled into us: Be Prepared So how do we examine this passage with a freshness? Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.1-13

5. Near Eastern Weddings Most are in early Autumn or in Winter Since nights are longer, lamps and extra oil are needed Groom’s parents, neighbors, friends and strangers provide abundant light for the wedding Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

6. Near Eastern Weddings Most are in early Autumn or in Winter Since nights are longer, lamps and extra oil are needed Groom’s parents, neighbors, friends and strangers provide abundant light for the wedding Light is a symbol of happiness Abundant light allows the wedding to be properly conducted Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

7. Near Eastern Weddings Lamp oil is generally purchased in the town of the wedding Those concerned that shops might be closed and limited availability of lamps and oil, take their own supplies Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

8. Near Eastern Weddings Lamp oil is generally purchased in the town of the wedding Those concerned that shops might be closed and limited availability of lamps and oil, take their own supplies Near Easterners take their time and never rush The weddings do not work by the clock If an evening wedding is announced, it can take place at midnight Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

9. Near Eastern Weddings The Groom’s party with lamps waits ready to greet the Bride’s party The Groom, Bride and invited guests go in and lock the doors The doors are locked because of limited space Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

10. Near Eastern Weddings The Groom’s party with lamps waits ready to greet the Bride’s party The Groom, Bride and invited guests go in and lock the doors The doors are locked because of limited space Late arrivals are left outside Servants are instructed to not open the doors, no matter who knocks The Groom is too busy with the guests to bother with late arrivals Aramaic NT Commentary on Near Eastern Customs

11. Matthew 25.1-2 [Matthew 24.36, which flows from 24.29-31] 1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.1-2

12. Matthew 25.2-5 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.2-5

13. Matthew 25.6-9 6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 " 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.6-9

14. Matthew 25.10-13 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' [NIV seems to be the same guy as 25.6] [KJV seems to be the Groom] 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.10-13

15. The Lesson 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. You might not be able to get your supplies So have your supplies, both oil and lamp Be willing to wait Be ready to go inside You don’t want to be left outside You don’t want to be locked out of the ceremony Matthew 25, mc Matthew 24.1-25.46, vv Matthew 25.13

16. Endnotes Lesson: Heaven, Part 5 – Prepared for Heaven? Presented: June 13, 2010 Author: Raymond Harriswww.raymondharris.com All Scripture Quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version; used from www.biblegateway.com.www.biblegateway.com Bible Verse Citation is provided in a specified format: Book Name, Minimum Verse Context (mc), Specific Verse/Verses (vv) Such as seen in: 1 Peter 1, mc 1.13-25, vv 1.18-21 Wise and Foolish Virgins, Aramaic Light on the Gospel of Matthew, A Commentary on the Teachings of Jesus from the Aramaic and Unchanged Near Eastern Customs, Errico and Lamsa, ISBN-13: 978-0-9631292-6-0; pp.309-311.

17. Image Credits Lesson: Heaven, Part 5 – Prepared for Heaven? Presented: June 13, 2010 Author: Raymond Harriswww.raymondharris.com Bible in Front of Yellow Light – unknown Tree of Life – http://www.heavenlyascents.com/wp- content/uploads/2009/06/fountain_tree_of_life.jpghttp://www.heavenlyascents.com/wp- content/uploads/2009/06/fountain_tree_of_life.jpg Gospel of Matthew – http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=3888585 http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=3888585 Near Eastern City – http://ancientneareast.tripod.com/IMAGES/ANELOGO.jpghttp://ancientneareast.tripod.com/IMAGES/ANELOGO.jpg