The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

Historians say this is a realistic portrayal of a first century Jewish wedding. It could have actually happened. The wedding procession would come to the bridegroom's home at an unexpected time. Once the wedding party had entered, the doors were locked and no one else would be admitted (Barclay, Commentary on Matthew 25:1-13).

Jesus is sometimes described figuratively as a bridegroom (Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19-20, Luke 5:34-35, John 3:29). In this parable, the coming of the bridegroom represents the second coming of Jesus and the Final Judgment of all people. Just as the bridegroom in the parable arrived at an unexpected time, Jesus will return unexpectedly and without warning (Matthew 24:36, 24:42-44,Mark 13:32). The wise bridesmaids represent those people who are always spiritually prepared for judgment. The foolish bridesmaids represent those people who put off preparations until it is too late. The necessary preparations cannot be made at the last minute.

The wedding feast represents the kingdom of God or eternal life. Once Jesus returns, there will be no more opportunities to repent. Those people who are spiritually unprepared will be locked out forever.

The lesson is that we must always be spiritually prepared for judgment. When Jesus returns or when we die, there will be no more opportunities to repent. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) teaches a similar lesson.