“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps.” — Matthew 25:1–3 (NLT)
Jesus’ parable of the ten bridesmaids is one of the most sobering teachings He ever gave. Yet when understood correctly, it is also deeply encouraging. It reminds us that Jesus loves us so much that He wants us spiritually prepared—awake, nourished, and full—for every season of life, and especially for His return.
All ten bridesmaids had lamps. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom. All ten intended to meet Him. And all ten started with oil.
This tells us something important: the foolish bridesmaids weren’t unbelievers. They weren’t rebellious or uninterested. They believed in the bridegroom and fully expected to be part of the celebration. They represent people today who know about Jesus, understand salvation, and even identify as Christians… but who never cultivate a daily relationship with Him.
They had lamps—representing belief, knowledge, and initial faith.
But the wise bridesmaids had something more: oil—the ongoing inner life of the Spirit, nourished through relationship.
Throughout Scripture, oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, life, spiritual vitality, and fresh anointing. In Jesus’ story, oil points to the spiritual fuel that keeps our faith burning through delays, challenges, disappointments, and unexpected seasons. It speaks of a faith that is more than head knowledge—it's a relationship that is continually renewed.
And here is where this applies to so many believers today.
Many believers know Jesus, but their spiritual lives run dangerously low because they don’t take time to stay connected to Him through His Word, prayer, worship, and being faithfully planted in a local church. Far too many Christians skip church altogether—yet still know all the right lingo, verses, and Christian phrases. But without the weekly rhythm of gathering with other believers, sitting under the teaching of Scripture, worshiping together, and being strengthened by the Body of Christ, their lamp slowly dries out. They have belief, but they lack the spiritual reserves that only come from a consistent life with Jesus and His church. And this is where the enemy finds his opportunity.
When people know about Jesus but do not walk with Jesus, their spiritual tank becomes vulnerable. When the unexpected hits—when darkness falls, when delays discourage, when trials shake them—the devil whispers:
“Are you sure God will come through?”
“Maybe He isn’t listening.”
“You haven’t prayed enough. You’re on your own.”
And without spiritual oil—without Scripture in their heart, worship on their lips, prayer in their lives, and community around them—they can feel empty, overwhelmed, or unsure.
Jesus told this parable not to frighten us, but because He loves us.
He knows how easily we drift.
He knows how quickly we run dry.
He knows how much we need a daily filling.
Readiness isn’t perfection.
Readiness is relationship—daily, steady, intentional.
The wise bridesmaids weren’t perfect; they were simply prepared.
They thought ahead.
They valued their connection to the bridegroom.
They kept themselves supplied.
And that is exactly what Jesus invites us to do.
You don’t need to fear running out.
You don’t need to dread the future.
You don’t need to carry anxiety about not having “enough.”
You simply need to stay close to Jesus every day— in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and in His church.
He is the One who fills you.
He is the One who keeps your lamp burning.
He is the One who strengthens you with fresh oil.
Stay close to Him, and you will always have enough.
Psalm 119:29–30 (NLT) "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by Your regulations.”
