Matthew 25:1-13 ▼

1 |When the end comes, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids. They took their oil lamps and went to meet the groom.

2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

3 The foolish bridesmaids took their lamps, but they didn't take any extra oil.

4 The wise bridesmaids, however, took along extra oil for their lamps.

5 Since the groom was late, all the bridesmaids became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 |At midnight someone shouted, 'The groom is here! Come to meet him!'

7 Then all the bridesmaids woke up and got their lamps ready.

8 |The foolish ones said to the wise ones, 'Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.'

9 |But the wise bridesmaids replied, 'We can't do that. There won't be enough for both of us. Go! Find someone to sell you some oil.'

10 |While they were buying oil, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went with him into the wedding hall, and the door was shut.

11 |Later the other bridesmaids arrived and said, 'Sir, sir, open the door for us!'

12 |But he answered them, 'I don't even know who you are!'

13 |So stay awake, because you don't know the day or the hour.