Matthew 25:1-13

AUV(i) 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party] 2 Five of the bridesmaids were foolish and five were sensible. 3 The foolish ones did not take enough olive oil for their lamps with them, 4 but the sensible ones took [extra] oil in containers, along with their lamps. 5 Now when the [bride and] groom were late [in arriving], the bridesmaids all got drowsy and fell asleep. 6 Then at midnight someone shouted, ‘Look, the [bride and] groom are here. Come on, let us go out and meet them.’ 7 Then all the bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps [i.e., removed the burnt wicks and replenished their lamps with oil]. 8 The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the sensible ones answered, ‘There might not be enough for us and you, [so] instead, you should go to the store and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were away [trying] to buy olive oil, the [bride and] groom arrived, and those who were ready [to welcome them] entered the [house where the] wedding reception [was being held] and the door was shut. 11 After that, the other bridesmaids also came asking, ‘Sir, Sir, [please] open the door for us!’ 12 But he answered them, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13 Therefore, you should be watchful, for you do not know the day or hour [i.e., when the Son of man will return].