Read
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:13
Reflect
Jewish weddings at the time of Christ had a lot of interesting traditions that might escape our understanding today. One of them involved a nighttime procession by the groom and his friends to the bride’s house, and then back to his home after some ceremonies. Everyone in the procession – whether attending the bride or the groom – was supposed to carry their own torch or lamp.
Jesus referenced this tradition in today’s scripture, where 10 virgins were waiting for the groom to arrive. Five of them were wise and made sure to have enough oil on hand to last all night. The other five did not prepare and were destined to run out of fuel too soon.
How does this story apply to us? One implication is that these foolish virgins represent people who only believe in Christ half-heartedly and do not put their full faith and trust in Him. Unlike the other virgins – who had complete faith and trust, and who watched and waited for the bridegroom’s return diligently – they waited until the last minute and found themselves deficient and lacking.
Jesus also pointed out that we, as his followers, do not know when our bridegroom will return. This follows his admonition in Matthew 24:36 that not even the Son of God knows the Father’s timing when it comes to the “end times.” Thus, it is in our best interest to keep our spiritual lives in good order and prepare our hearts at all times for Jesus’ imminent return.
Today, pray that the Lord will help you stay vigilant and that He will keep your heart, mind and soul pure at all times.
Reflection copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
