09/02/2025 - Jody DestryKey Scripture: Matt 25:1-13 – The Parable of the 10 bridesmaidsJesus and his disciples are gathered together on the Mount of Olives – a place significant to the life and ministry of Jesus. It was here that Jesus often came to pray to his Father. It wa hear that Jesus often taught spiritual truths to the people who gathered to hear him. It was from the Mount of Olives that Jesus made his triumphal entry in Jerusalem as he prepared to lay his life down at the cross for us. And it was here that that the disciples witnessed Jesus ascend into heaven after his resurrection.In this moment, the disciples ask Jesus a question: ‘What will be sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ – in other words, they were asking Jesus when he would be coming back after his death and resurrection to once and for all seal the victory over evil and bring his followers into eternity with him.In answer to their question, Jesus tells them this parable (or story) to help them understand.The moral of the parable is this:We need to stay alert and be ready and prepared for Jesus’ return – whether it be soon or long in coming because there are significant consequences for those who are not prepared and found not ready when Jesus returns on the final the day.The Bible frequently uses wedding imagery to describe God’s relationship with his people. In the NT, Jesus is referred to as the Bridegroom and the Church (his followers) are referred to as the Bride.In this parable, The Bridegroom again is symbolic of Jesus, but in this instance, it’s the bridesmaids who represent individual believers/followers of Jesus.Why did Jesus feel the need to tell them this story and give them this prophetic warning?Jesus knew that his disciples would struggle to stay the course and could becoming easily distracted from the assignment he had given them. Jesus knows our propensity to grow weary, to become complacent and distracted too. Jesus was also addressing the behaviour of many of the religious leaders of that time who were known for not practicing what they preached. Their faith was all for show on the outside but underneath it was found to be shallow and inauthentic.Every parable has a sting in the tail:Jesus warned them that not everyone who professes faith in Jesus with their lips will enter the Kingdom of God. Some, like the five foolish bridesmaids, will find themselves on the outside looking in on the great celebration that’s taking place, wondering why they haven’t been let in.So, as modern-day followers of Jesus, this parable invites us to consider how we might be intentional about staying alert and ready and how to prepare well for Jesus’ return.Pursue true discipleship– Commit to cultivating a real and living faith in Jesus.– Practice daily rhythms of time with Jesus – scripture, prayer, worship– Guard your heart against complacency / auto-pilot faith– Plant yourself in community with others for accountability and encouragement e.g a Discovery Group, a mentorQ: Am I performing Christianity, or am I truly walking with Jesus?Q: What is one way God is inviting me to pursue true discipleship this year?Keep growing and maturing in faith– Practice faithfulness in every season – “A long obedience in the same direction”– Stay teachable– Desire wisdom– Be intentional about your growth as a discipleQ: Am I bearing fruit? (Am I growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)Q: Am I relying on past spiritual experiences, or am I actively seeking fresh encounters with God?Q: Am I being obedient to what Jesus has asked of me?Be prepared for delays– Invest in spiritual habits that sustain you over time, not just in moments of need (keep your oil well stocked)– Learn the unforced rhythms of grace (walk at the pace of Jesus)– Send your roots down deep.Q: What regular rhythms currently help you stay connected to Jesus? (e.g. prayer, scripture, sabbath, etc)Q: Where do you see signs of spiritual fatigue or weariness in your life?Q: Are there any spiritual habits you feel prompted to deepen or recommit to?Q: What would it look like for you to live at Jesus’ pace – unhurried but purposeful?Live with urgency– Make the most of every opportunity– Love your neighbour today (not tomorrow or next year)– Be a diligent steward of your gifts and resources– Resist unhelpful distractions– Be continually filled with SpiritQ: What distractions need to be removed for you to stay focused on God this year?Q: How are you using your time, energy, and resources for God’s Kingdom?Q: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus and how might you be intentional about being open and available to share your faith with them?

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