The Parable of the Bridesmaids

The Parable of the Bridesmaids

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took
their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were
foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they
took no oil with them; 4

but the wise took flasks of oil with their
lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy
and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the
bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those bridesmaids got

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up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us
some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied,
‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to
the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to
buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with
him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the
other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he
replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake therefore,
for you know neither the day nor the hour.”