Bible Reading
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.”
[27:52]John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”
[36:15]Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
[49:19]Observation questions
- In Matthew 25:1–4, what difference is identified between what the foolish bridesmaids brought and what the wise bridesmaids brought? What distinction is made between bringing no oil and bringing no extra oil? [32:17]
- What did the two groups of bridesmaids have in common before the bridegroom arrived? What made their different readiness difficult for an outside observer to recognize? [37:23]
- In Matthew 25:10–12, what happens while the foolish bridesmaids are away? What does the passage leave unstated about whether they obtained oil before returning? [43:15]
- What does Jesus promise about the security of those who belong to him in John 10:28–29? Who is responsible for keeping them secure? [36:15]
Interpretation questions
- When the oil is understood to represent the Holy Spirit, how does the distinction between an empty lamp and an exhausted supply change the meaning of the warning? How does John 10:28–29 help explain that distinction? [35:29]
- Why can familiar Christian habits make someone appear ready for Christ’s return without actually knowing him? How does Matthew 7:21–23 deepen the warning about outward appearances? [37:38]
- Why is the refusal to share oil not a lesson encouraging selfishness? What does it reveal about the help a faithful parent or friend can—and cannot—give another person? [42:03]
- How is wanting admission to the wedding banquet different from wanting the bridegroom himself? What might that difference look like in someone who attends church mainly to avoid judgment? [44:00]
Application questions
- When you think about your standing with God, what do you tend to rely on: Christ’s saving work, your church involvement, your family’s faith, or something else? What helps you recognize where your confidence really rests? [41:12]
- Have you ever feared that your salvation might run out or that Christ might stop holding on to you? How could Jesus’ promise in John 10:28–29 shape the way you respond when that fear returns? [36:06]
- Which Christian routines are most familiar to you? How could you approach one of those routines this week as an opportunity to turn toward Christ rather than simply go through the motions? [40:51]
- Has another believer’s faith ever awakened a hunger in you to know Christ more personally? What drew your attention, and how could you respond by seeking Christ rather than simply copying that person? [47:28]
- Is there someone whose relationship with Christ you care deeply about? Since you cannot believe on that person’s behalf, what is one loving way you could point them toward Jesus without pressuring them? [42:14]
- Christ’s invitation calls for a response, not merely continued attendance. Is there something you have been putting off bringing honestly before him—an unanswered question, a need to repent, or uncertainty about receiving him as Lord and Savior? What next step would help, and how could this group support you? [49:23]
