1. We will have Men’s breakfast Saturday morning at 8:00am come and join the fun.
2. The time changes Sunday remember to set your clocks back an hour.
3. Please be in prayer for Molly McMillan, Sandra Wilson, Suzi Kothmann, and Jennifer Kneese. They will spend this weekend ministering to women in prison in Gatesville.
4. Laurie and I will be at Mo-Ranch through Friday.
Scripture
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' [9] 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.' [10] 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. [11] Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' [12] But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Questions for Reflection
1. How do you react when you are made to wait?
2. Why were some of the virgins described as “foolish”? (25:3)
3. How did the wise virgins respond when asked to help the ones who weren’t prepared? (25:9)
4. What did the foolish virgins discover and do when they returned? (25:11)
5. How did the bridegroom respond when some virgins wanted to come to the wedding late? (25:12)
6. With what warning did Jesus conclude this parable? Why? (25:13)
7. What responsibility does each Christian have before God?
8. Why is continual preparation for Christ’s return better than “last minute cramming”?
9. Why do we tend to think (and act like) we have all the time in the world to get ready for Christ’s return?
10. What are the possible consequences of putting off thinking about Christ and spiritual growth until later?
