“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Comment:There was no fixed time for the ceremony in those times. We have here the scene of a wealthier couple being married. First a buck’s party then a procession to the bride’s place, here seen as quite a distance away and the procession extends into the evening. People wait along the way to clap and cheer the passing company and follow the line of ‘special’ guests into the bride’s family home, before the gates are shut for what was often several days of celebration. Ten virgins, almost certainly a number taken as an example of young ladies thinking of their own future ‘great day’. They all know that it might go well into the night, and they all bring oil (extra batteries) for their lamps. But only some, in this case half, of them think beyond the present. The labelled ‘foolish’ ones don’t even have enough oil to get into the bride’s place. Although Jesus is facing the cross He is teaching about His second coming and is asking if I/you are forward thinking!.
Prayer: Thank you Father that death is not the end,
As I read it! 