Jason Barnes preached this sermon (based on Matthew 25:1-13, The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids} in the Grand View University chapel service on November 8, 2011. Jason is a religion major from Norwalk, Iowa.
We are almost to the end of the church year if you didn’t know that. This is the time of the year where we remember how Christ will come back. Today’s reading shows us what that will be like.
What you should know about a first-century wedding is that it was a very big deal. Weddings today were nothing like the weddings back then. The wedding would actually take about a whole week partying. The bridesmaids were probably very eager to get to that party and probably left during daylight to get there. The people at the party would probably look at the 5 bridesmaids with so much oil and think there were very dumb to bring that much. But to the other 5’s surprise the groom took his time and the 5 who weren’t ready ran out of oil by the time it was time to go in. So since they weren’t ready the bridegroom disowned them. Even though they were a trusted part of the family.
There was one time during a winter storm where I ran out of gas along East 14th. I knew I was low. It was in my old and pretty much broken down car where the heat barely worked and with so much traffic around me where I was to the point of looking in my rear view mirror to wait for someone to hit me. I was in a bad spot to be honest. Also besides the fact that it was 9 o’clock at night and very dark. I just trusted I could get to my destination and back with enough. I was wrong though. I ran out and kept from destination. Just like the 10 bridesmaids. I was basically told the whole “I don’t know you” and it hurt. I felt stupid, helpless, and hurt. My dad drove 45 min. through the winter storm from Norwalk to come give me some gas and even pay for the full tank when I got to the gas station. He basically came to save me. I was also late to Dr. Mattes class that night which knowing my luck that night, eventually got cancelled anyway. You see I was lucky my dad loved me enough to come and get me. The bridesmaids, not so lucky.
Isn’t that a scary feeling though? The bridegroom coming up to you and saying that they do not know you? It seems like you are being judged or condemned. You feel as if you are the lowest of the low. There is more than judgment though. There is something hidden in this parable. Jesus IS your bridegroom. But what kind of bridegroom is he? He is the type of bridegroom that does know you. He is the one that will take the people that do not belong. He is there make you feel welcome and wanted. To make you see that all you need is faith in Him to be a part of something spectacular.
It is the faith that gets you into the party. The faith comes from the word of God. It is an external promise for you: He is coming. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but he is coming. There is a campfire song I learned at the Bible camp I attended: “Jesus is coming back some day, Could be tomorrow could be today. Jesus is coming back I know for the Bible tells me so. So praise the Lord. Alleluia! Amen! Praise the Lord. Jesus is coming back again.”
Just keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour. I learned in my New Testament class last year that people used to quit their jobs and sit on their roofs waiting for Christ to come. I’m not telling you to be that extreme. But just be ready because Jesus is coming.
What is that going to be like when he does come back? There is a song I learned when I was at bible camp that was called “We Will Dance” and the lyrics share just what it will be like when the bridegroom comes.
Sing a song of celebration.
Lift up a shout of praise for the Bridegroom will come.
The glorious one.
And we will look on His face.
We’ll go to a much better place.
Dance with all your might.
Lift up your hand and clap for joy
For the time’s drawing near when he will appear.
We will stand by his side,
A strong, pure, spotless bride.
We will dance on streets that are golden.
The glorious bride and the great Son of Man.
For every tongue and tribe and nation
Will join in the song of the lamb.
Amen
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