Today, as I reflect on the parable of the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25, I am struck by how relevant it still is for us.
In Jewish tradition, a wedding was a long-awaited celebration. After the betrothal, the groom would go away to prepare a home, and the bride never knew the exact day or hour he would return. Only the groom’s father knew. Often, the groom would come at night, with a friend running ahead shouting, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming!” The bridesmaids would then light their lamps and join the joyful procession to the wedding feast. If they weren’t ready, they would miss it.
This is the backdrop of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:1–13, where five bridesmaids were wise, bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish, unprepared when the bridegroom finally arrived. The lesson is clear: readiness cannot be borrowed or rushed at the last minute.
Lamps and Oil
When I think about this parable, I see the “lamp” as the outward things people can observe — our ministry, our service, our work, even our reputation as Christians. But the “oil” represents something far more vital: the unseen life of intimacy with God.
Oil is what keeps the lamp burning. Without it, even the most beautiful lamp is useless. Just like a phone with the best features is still powerless if its battery is flat, our faith is powerless without the oil of the Spirit.
The Cost of Oil
What struck me most is that the oil cannot be shared. The wise bridesmaids told the foolish ones, “Go and buy some for yourselves.” This tells us that intimacy with Jesus always comes with a personal cost. It requires daily investment — prayer, time in the Word, obedience, repentance. It cannot be borrowed from someone else’s faith, nor can it be acquired at the last minute when the Bridegroom appears.
Living in the Delay
The parable also reminds us that waiting is not easy. The groom was delayed, and all the bridesmaids grew drowsy and fell asleep. That sounds like us, doesn’t it? Sometimes we feel tired waiting for Jesus to return. The world is shaking with wars, disasters, unrest, and false teachings. It can be discouraging. But Jesus warned us these things would come — not to frighten us, but to urge us to keep watch and stay ready.
The midnight cry shows that His coming will likely surprise us, because midnight is when most people are asleep. Yet those who have oil will still be ready. And the shut door is a sobering reminder that once the time has come, there are no more chances to prepare.
A Word for Us Today
This parable challenges me personally. It’s so easy to get caught up with the “lamps” — the schedules, meetings, and tasks of serving God. But without oil, all those outward things will eventually fade.
So I ask myself: Am I keeping my lamp filled with fresh oil? Am I cultivating daily intimacy with Jesus, even in the ordinary days?
Because when the Bridegroom comes — and He will come, right on time — may He find us not only holding lamps, but burning brightly with passion for Him.
Lord, keep my lamp burning with fresh oil. Keep my heart full of passion for You as I wait for Your coming. Help me to be ready — not only with a lamp in my hand, but with oil in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.