This is from One Year with Jesus in "Quick Verse program"
October 30

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids

Matthew 25:1-13

(Harmony 204)

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot.

“So, when the bridegroom was delayed, they lay down to rest until midnight, when they were roused by the shout, ‘The bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!’

“All the girls jumped up and trimmed their lamps. Then the five who hadn’t any oil begged the others to share with them, for their lamps were going out.

“But the others replied, ‘We haven’t enough. Go instead to the shops and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were gone, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

“Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Sir, open the door for us!’

“But he called back, ‘Go away! It is too late!’

“So stay awake and be prepared, for you do not know the date or moment of my return.”

This parable is about a wedding. On the wedding day the bridegroom went to the bride’s house for the ceremony; then the bride and groom, along with a great procession, would return to the groom’s house for a great feast, often lasting a week.

Don’t Be Out Shopping

These ten virgins were waiting to join the bride and groom in their wedding procession, and they hoped to take part in the wedding banquet. But when the groom didn’t come at the expected time, five of them were out of lamp oil. By the time they had purchased extra oil, it was too late to join the feast. When Jesus returns to take his people to heaven, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be our own. Christ’s second coming will be swift and sudden. There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made will determine our eternal destiny.