Prepare for Jesus’ Return or Face Judgement
ECWA Theme for 2026
“Keep your lamps burning…”
(Luke 12: 35, NIV)
Introduction
Ancient first century Jewish wedding customs helps to provide clarity about the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt. 25: 1-13 in the mind of the reader. The parable uses metaphors and imagery related to first century cultural setting of a wedding procession to emphasize constant watchfulness until the bridegroom arrives, then the door is closed to the unprepared. On such wedding occasions, the groom accompanied by friends would journey to the bride’s home at night to escort her and her attendants in a joyful procession back to his house for the feast. To ensure this cultural context occurs, the parable confirms 10 virgins serving as the bride’s companions who joined the parade had lamps and expect to meet the groom as he comes from the bride’s house
Examining the context surrounding the parable for effective understanding, specific point is being made to describe the kingdom of God and warning against predicting the return of Christ and highlights watchfulness to caution us against unpreparedness so we can remain focus and prepared. This study would teach us to examine our spiritual condition in light of Christ’s coming and remain true to our faith no matter what so that when the day or hour arrive, we will be ready for him so he will receive and welcome us when he returns. In the days of Noah, the people were caught unprepared for the flood because they refused and rejected every warning going about their usual life activities thinking life would continue as usual while humanity continue in obedience against God.
Questions
The story in Matthew 25: 1-13 draws from ancient Jewish customs, even more Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to bridesmaids awaiting a delayed groom.
A. What is a Parable and why would Jesus speak in Parables. Afterall, people hardly understand him, even the disciples frequently ask Him privately for clarification to understand His teachings (Matt. 13:10; Mk. 4: 10; Lk. 8:9)
B. In the context of a Nigerian cultural weddings, being without a wedding plan and unpreparedness is always a matter of great concern. Using your cultural context, highlight any concern unpreparedness may cause after a wedding date has been fixed.
2. Unpreparedness for Christ ‘s return would be sorrowful.
A. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the phrase from Matt. 5: 42, why would the wise virgins not spare some oil leaving the foolish behind, is there a limit that love itself will impose.
B. Who are the virgins and what is a virgin in this context. Why are we required to observe these virgins split into a 50% wise and 50% foolish
C. Explain the symbolism of oil in James 5: 4; Exo. 29: 7; 30: 25 - 38; Esther 2: 12; Acts 10: 38; Isa. 61: 1; Luke 4: 18. Since the context in Matt. 25: 1-13 signifies being prepared for Christ’s return, what in your opinion does oil represents
3. We are always warned to prepare for Christ’s return and always prepare for the Day of judgement in Matt. 24: 10-12; 42, Matt. 25: 13; Lk. 12: 45; 1 Pet. 4: 7
A. What is the main lesson that the door was closed up against the foolish virgins in Matt. 25: 10. In addition, what does it demonstrate or foreshadow for the Lord to close the door as in the Days of Noah and the ark when the Bible states, “And the Lord shut him in” Genesis 7: 13-17.
B. What is the meaning of door(s) John 10: 7-10; Rev. 3: 7-8; 3: 20. What does that illustrate and the lessons we are to learn about Jesus
C. In the opening words of Matt. 24: 1, the Bible says Jesus left the Temple and was walking away never to physically enter the Temple again. Explain what this means symbolically and significantly
4. The Bible often centers on themes of spiritual readiness, hope, holiness while focusing on practical application like how to stay mentally alert.
A. According to Luke 12: 35-36, what is the first sign of readiness to show a man is prepared to work. Discuss some hindrances to spiritual work
B. In 1 Peter 1: 13-16, what does it mean to be mentally alert and sober-minded today. What distracts you from this focus, and what is the one change you can make to better prepare your mind for Christ’s return
C. Read Ephesians 6: 10-20 closely. List and discuss what this full armor means to a believer. What would you do daily on the basis of the full armor to prepare for the return of Christ
