Matthew 25:1-13
The Challenge of Discipleship Study 10: Readiness
Focus Question: How do we get ready for an event at an unknown time and place?
Word of Life
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” Matthew 25:13
Read Matthew 25:1-13
The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids is found only in Matthew’s Gospel. The parable is
placed in the middle of Jesus’ teaching about the end times (24:1 -- 25:46). Jesus is speaking to his
disciples while sitting on the Mount of Olives, looking at the Temple grounds (24:1-3). The disciples
come to Jesus privately (24:3) to ask Jesus about the signs of the end of the age. Jesus uses several
analogies to stress the need to live faithfully and expectantly, to watch and remain ready.
The image in this parable of the bridegroom is found in both the Old and New Testaments to describe
the covenantal relationship between God and God’s people. (See Hosea 2:14-23; Isaiah 62:5;
Revelation 22:17). A typical ritual at a wedding would have the bridegroom coming with his companions
o the house of the bride’s parents to take her to his own home. As the groom approaches, the
bridesmaids would come out with lighted lamps and meet him.
1. How helpful or meaningful is the image of bride and bridegroom to describe the relationship
between God and people?
In contrast this with other “kingdom” parables in Matthew (Matthew 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47) which
begin in the present: “The kingdom of heaven is like. . . .” This parable begins with the word “then”. This,
and the tense of the verb, imply something that will happen in the future. While the parables in Matthew
13 emphasize the mystery of the kingdom already present in the world, the future tense of the parable of
the bridesmaids points to a time when the presence of the kingdom will be clearly seen and understood.
2. What are the characteristics of a faithful disciple who waits and prepares for Christ’s coming?
3. What does it mean to live a life of active faithfulness?
The challenging question for the church of Matthew’s day (and for the church today) is: How are we to
live during the “in-between” time – the time between the coming of the kingdom of heaven in the life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the promised return of the victorious Christ at the end of the age?
Do we trust in One whose presence is not readily seen? The answer Jesus speaks in Matthew’s
Gospel is to live a life of active faithfulness, of doing what we believe.
1. How do you face the challenge of waiting for Christ?
2. What distracts you from your waiting?
3. How do you prepare as you wait for Christ?
4. How do you face the challenge of being ready for Christ to return?
Prayer
Christ, calm our impatient hearts as we wait for your return.
Dig Deeper
Last Word
This week,
be still and wait upon the Lord,
listening,
being ready to hear.