IDEA: There is one fundamental way in which religious people differ from one another: How ready are we for the Lord's return? TEXT: "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard, 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:1-13).

PURPOSE: To have listeners think about how ready they are for the Lord's return.

There were ten young women involved in the story. Think about the scene.

I. Imagine the scene as it opens: "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom."

Try to describe the scene. What picture do you have in your mind?

What do you think is the mood as the story begins?

As an onlooker, do you see any difference in the ten young women?

II. How are these ten women alike?

They are alike outwardly.

You can't tell from their dress that they differ from one another.

They have the same equipment: lamps.

They are alike in their knowledge and their ignorance.

What do they know in common?

What don't they know?

They are alike in their intentions.

Imagine asking each of these young women, "Do you expect to enter the marriage feast when the bridegroom comes?"

III. Jesus says, "Five of them were foolish and five were wise" (v.2). Why?

Did both groups sleep? Were both taken by surprise?

What is the difference in these two groups of women who had many things in common? When did they discover the difference?

The whole story turns on this difference.

What do you think is the major truth Jesus is getting across in this parable