Matthew 25:1-13
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage, Jesus continues to speak to his disciples about readiness – this time through an allegory. Read Matthew 25:1-13 as if you were hearing Jesus tell this story in person.
In Jewish tradition a marriage became official after three stages. An engagement was arranged by the parents of the couple, and then after some time the bride and groom would exchange vows in a betrothal ceremony. Afterward, the groom would go to finish preparing a home for the couple, and when all was ready, the groom and his friends, led by friends of the bride (usually ten bridesmaids) would travel in a lamp-lit procession to gather the bride and enjoy the marriage feast together.
In the allegory he shares with his disciples, Jesus is alluding to both the gathering of his new community of followers and the unreadiness of many of God’s covenant people to recognize Jesus as their Messiah. But he is also stressing that each and every person should live in such a way that if he were to return, even after what seemed like a long delay, they would be prepared.
Stop to think back over the last twenty-four hours of your life. How aware were you of Jesus’ presence? How alert were you to Jesus’ promptings? How might you want the next twenty-four hours of your life to be similar or different?
Talk openly with Jesus about this sharing your desires with him.
Read Matthew 25:1-13 again paying attention to the details of the story.
The only difference between the wise and foolish bridesmaids was the amount of oil they had on hand. They all had their lamps ready, and they all fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom to come. But the wise bridesmaids had fuel enough to light their lamps and follow the bridegroom.
In addition to being fuel for lamps, olive oil was used in Older Testament Scriptures for anointing and consecration. As such, oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit who dwells with every follower of Jesus and is continually anointing and transforming us into Jesus’ likeness.
For the last minutes of this mediation contemplate the words of the Apostle Paul written to the church at Ephesus, and then consider the questions below:
“…be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:15-20
How are you making space for the Holy Spirit to fill you lately?
What might Jesus want you to learn or do today?
How will you follow through on that?
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