Matthew 25:1-12 25 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didnt bring oil for them. 4 But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil. 5 When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the groom! Come out to meet him. 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out. 9 But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘No, because if we share with you, there wont be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. 10 But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us. 12 But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I dont know you. Reflection Questions: Jesus told a story, set in a multi-day Hebrew wedding, about ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus) to arrive. Five of them brought extra lamp oil, were ready even though he arrived late, and went into the wedding. Five others were unprepared. But they werent just missing oil—theyd missed a relationship. When they got back, the bridegroom hauntingly told the unprepared bridesmaids, I dont know you. What spiritual lesson(s) can you learn from looking at the difference between the wise and the foolish characters in this story? With which group do you identify more? In what ways, day by day, are you deepening your personal bond with Jesus so that you know him, and he knows you? Jesus parable clearly showed that we cannot borrow some things, particularly relationships. Have you ever wished you could borrow the connection your pious grandmother or your preacher has with God? Doesnt work. God wants a love relationship with you, and you only build that by relating to God yourself. In what ways, if any, are you trying to ride someone elses coattails to God? How can you take ownership of that relationship for yourself? Todays Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your wedding feast. Help me to value that privilege highly, and to stay connected with you every day. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:09:17 +0000
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