The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Jesus shares a story in Matthew 25 that teaches us about the importance of wisdom and readiness. In this parable, a group of virgins waits to escort a groom as he travels at night to meet his new bride—a tradition rooted in ancient Middle Eastern marriage ceremonies. Each escort is responsible for bringing a lamp and oil to fuel it. Jesus distinguishes between two types of escorts: those who are wise and prepared, and those who are foolish and unprepared.
The Message of Advent
Advent calls us to remember both the arrival of Jesus as a child in Bethlehem and to look forward to His promised return. It is a season that encourages us to be prepared. Our lamps symbolize our readiness to shine light into the darkness, and living with oil for our lamps reflects a state of spiritual preparedness. God empowers us to illuminate a dark world, revealing the truth of Christ Jesus to others.
God’s Provision and Our Preparation
God supplies the oil for our lamps through the love of Christ Jesus. Our spiritual "oil supply" grows when we recognize how we fall short—when we fail to love God above all and to love others as ourselves. Acknowledging our shortcomings allows us to receive God’s love, which prepares us to be His people. This love enables us to be ready for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Staying Ready for Christ’s Coming
Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25 about the wise and foolish virgins emphasizes the need to stay prepared for His return. The season of Advent serves as a reminder to keep our spiritual lamps fueled with God’s power, so that we can bring light to the world around us. God provides this "oil" through the love found in Christ; recognizing our failures positions us to receive His love and to be ready for Jesus’ coming.
