The Waiting Bride
Preparing for Christ’s Return: Lessons from the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
Weddings are special occasions that require extensive preparation and effort. From selecting flowers to coordinating details, every element must be carefully planned. This preparation isn’t just about creating a beautiful event—it’s about being ready for a life-changing covenant relationship.
In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a powerful parable about ten bridesmaids waiting for a bridegroom—a story that reveals profound truths about our spiritual readiness for Christ’s return.
What was the wedding tradition in Jesus’ time?
In Jesus’ time, Jewish wedding customs were quite different from today’s practices. When a man wanted to marry a woman, he would first determine the bride price—not to purchase her, but to earn the right to ask for her hand in marriage.
If the bride’s family accepted, both families would gather for a special meal. During this celebration, the man would offer the woman a cup of wine saying, “This is my covenant.” If she accepted, they were officially engaged.
What followed was unique: the couple would separate completely during the engagement period. The groom would return to his father’s house to prepare living quarters for his new bride and their future family. Meanwhile, the bride would prepare herself for marriage.
The timing of the wedding itself was uncertain—it depended entirely on when the father of the groom determined that the preparations were complete. Only then would the groom gather his friends and proceed to collect his bride, often at night, for the wedding celebration.
Who were the wise and foolish bridesmaids?
In Jesus’ parable, ten bridesmaids were waiting for the bridegroom’s arrival. All had lamps, but their preparation differed significantly:
- The five wise bridesmaids brought extra oil for their lamps, anticipating a potential delay
- The five foolish bridesmaids brought lamps but no additional oil
When the bridegroom was delayed, all ten fell asleep. At midnight, they were awakened by the announcement of the bridegroom’s arrival. The wise bridesmaids quickly trimmed their lamps and were ready to join the procession. The foolish ones, however, discovered their lamps were going out.
The foolish bridesmaids asked to borrow oil, but the wise ones refused, knowing there wouldn’t be enough for everyone. While the foolish bridesmaids went to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived. The prepared bridesmaids entered the wedding feast with him, and the door was shut.
When the unprepared bridesmaids returned, they called out, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But the bridegroom replied, “Truly, I tell you, I don’t know you.”
Where is the grace in this parable?
At first glance, this parable might seem harsh. Why couldn’t the bridegroom show grace to the latecomers? But notice that all ten bridesmaids fell asleep—none were perfect. The difference was in their preparation.
Jesus concludes the parable with these words: “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This echoes his words in Gethsemane when he told his disciples to “stay awake” because “the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The grace in this story lies in understanding that preparation doesn’t equal perfection. When the bridegroom arrived, neither group was perfect, but it was clear which group was prepared for the relationship.
How does this parable apply to us today?
In Scripture, the Church is described as the Bride of Christ. Jesus isn’t coming for bridesmaids—He’s coming for His bride. Just as He offered the cup of covenant, we have said “yes” to Him and now eagerly await His return.
Jesus told His disciples in John 14: “I go to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.” Our responsibility is to prepare our hearts for His return.
The crucial insight is this: We’re not preparing to achieve perfection; we’re preparing to receive perfection. Our preparation is about anticipation—eagerly waiting and watching for Christ’s return.
When that day comes, we can’t borrow someone else’s faith. Our relationship with Christ must be personal and genuine.
How can we prepare our hearts for Christ’s return?
Just as communication is vital in human relationships, our spiritual preparation involves:
- Prayer – Are you sharing your joys and sufferings with God daily?
- Listening – Are you taking time to hear God through His Word?
- Obedience – Are you doing what Jesus commands?
The key is to intensify our intimacy with Christ. We don’t grow closer by doing nothing—that only creates distance. Instead, we must actively pursue our relationship with Him.
Remember that Jesus is preparing a place for prepared people. Collectively, we are the Bride of Christ—not just as individuals, but as the entire body of believers.
Life Application
Revelation 19:6-7 declares: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
This week, focus on preparing your heart for Christ’s return. Consider these questions:
- How can you deepen your prayer life to communicate more openly with God?
- What steps can you take to engage with Scripture more consistently?
- In what areas of your life do you need to move from knowing what Jesus commands to actually doing it?
- How can you contribute to the collective preparation of the Church as Christ’s bride?
Remember, preparation isn’t about achieving perfection through your own efforts. It’s about positioning your heart to receive the perfection that only Christ can bring. Live into your identity as part of the Bride of Christ through small but meaningful actions each day.