Bible Reading
Amos 5:24 “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
[26:47]Matthew 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’ 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. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
[42:51]Amos 7:14-15 “Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
[38:32]Observation questions
- In Amos 7:14–15, what work was Amos doing before God called him, and what task did God give him? [38:32]
- What attitudes toward luxury and privilege were challenged, and who suffered because of those attitudes? [39:18]
- In Matthew 25:1–13, what do all ten bridesmaids experience during the delay, and what difference in their preparation becomes clear when the bridegroom arrives?
- What lasting contribution can a congregation make to someone’s ministry, even if that person never returns to serve there? [42:34]
Interpretation questions
- How does God’s choice of Amos challenge the idea that someone needs a respected profession or special standing before being useful to God? [39:40]
- How does the call for justice in Amos 5:24 challenge a community that treats luxury as proof of success? What might that community be overlooking? [39:18]
- Why might the wise bridesmaids’ refusal to share their oil seem troubling? What does the parable reveal about responsibility that cannot simply be handed over to someone else? [43:20]
- How can a believer take Jesus’ warning about readiness seriously without becoming fearful about the future? What difference does trusting God with both today and tomorrow make? [47:20]
Application questions
- Remembering the sacrifices of others can deepen gratitude for gifts that are easily taken for granted. What freedom or blessing have you come to appreciate more deeply, and how might that gratitude shape your choices this week? [37:47]
- Where have you dismissed a possible opportunity to serve because you felt too ordinary or unqualified? What small step could help you explore that calling, and whose encouragement might help? [46:46]
- When does enjoying comfort begin to make you less aware of someone else’s hardship? Is there a spending habit, use of time, or local need that you feel prompted to look at more carefully? [39:18]
- Who could you help grow in their calling through encouragement, prayer, practical help, or financial support? How might you offer that support without expecting a benefit for yourself or your congregation? [42:21]
- God has entrusted you with time, abilities, relationships, and resources. Which of these needs more thoughtful care right now, and what would faithful preparation look like in that part of your life this week? [45:35]
- What concern about tomorrow is making it difficult for you to act faithfully today? What would it look like to prepare responsibly while leaving the outcome in God’s hands? [47:25]
