Introduction

Matthew 25:1–13: In chapter 25, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of heaven in three parables known as parables of judgment. The chapter continues the End Times discourse begun in Matthew 24:36–51 about the coming of the Son of Man and the warning to be found faithful. In today’s reading, Jesus tells a parable about five wise and five foolish young women to urge the need to be ready for Jesus’s glorious return.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 25:13 GNT

And Jesus concluded, “Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Read

1 “At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten young women who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any extra oil with them, 4 while the wise ones took containers full of oil for their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was late in coming, so they began to nod and fall asleep.

6 “It was already midnight when the cry rang out, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come and meet him!’ 7 The ten young women woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 Then the foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Let us have some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 ‘No, indeed,’ the wise ones answered, ‘there is not enough for you and for us. Go to the store and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 So the foolish ones went off to buy some oil; and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The five who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was closed.

11 “Later the others arrived. ‘Sir, sir! Let us in!’ they cried out. 12 ‘Certainly not! I don’t know you,’ the bridegroom answered.”

13 And Jesus concluded, “Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Reflect

Verses 1–13 highlight the need to be watchful and ready. Who is the bridegroom? Describe the actions of the five wise and five foolish young women. What resulted for the foolish women? While Jesus says that we do not know the day or the hour of his return, he warns us to be prepared. How can you prepare for Jesus’s return?

Pray

Lord Jesus, may your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. As I await your coming, help me to be a good and faithful steward of your blessings. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and make me ready to welcome and receive you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 25:14–30: Jesus uses a parable about three servants to teach about the Kingdom of heaven.