Ten Bridesmaids • Prepare

What is happening in this story?

This is the first of three parables in Matthew 25, drawing a parallel between a common experience in life and the reign of God, in this case, a wedding. Individuals are given things to do in order to prepare for the return of Jesus and/or the bringing about of the kingdom of God. Are they prepared (or on the road to righteousness) or unprepared (road to unrighteousness)? Christians are called to active discipleship, always prepared for Christ’s return. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection we are all welcomed into God’s family and into the kingdom. While the story about the five bridesmaids being left behind could be jarring, it makes sense to be looking at these ways that Jesus is telling us to be ready.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

Some kids may have participated in weddings as flower girls or ring bearers with a specific role: carry the ring on a fancy pillow, drop flower petals while walking down the aisle. While the term bridesmaid is the same used today, the role in the first century was different. The bridesmaids in the story were given a specific task. Some were better prepared for this task than others.

What is the lectionary connection?

This parable happens during the end of the Season after Pentecost, also known as Ordinary Time. It is a great way to emphasize that we need to be prepared at all times! We are not just waiting for Jesus during Advent or Lent, but each and every day!

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

In today’s video, someone isn’t ready for an important visitor. Let’s watch and see what happens.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • What happened when Victor waited too long to make the banner?

  • How did that make Ada feel?

  • Who was the first one ready for church in your home today? Who was last?

  • Have you ever missed something because you weren’t ready in time?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

Raise your hand if you’ve gone camping before. What do you like or dislike about it? Today we’re going to join our friends on a church camping trip. Pay attention to their camping motto.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Why was Gabe unprepared?

  • When have you missed important information by not listening?

  • What was the camping motto? What does that mean?

  • What can we do to prepare to live as Christians?

 

read

the bible story

MATTHEW 25:1-13

When we read, you’ll hear about oil lamps. It took a long time for the thick wick to soak up the oil from the dish, but then they burned a long time. But you had to plan ahead.

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • Is anything at your house always ready to go? (Backpacks, shopping bags, car books or games, beach bag, first aid kit, and so on.)

  • What have you missed out on because you weren’t there when something happened?

  • Jesus told this story to remind people to be ready for God at all times. Who helps you to be ready to see God in your life?

  • I wonder why the five bridesmaids with the oil didn’t share with the other bridesmaids. What do you think?

wrap up with

review + prayer

Jesus reminded us to “keep awake.” Keep looking for God’s love everywhere and sharing that love with others. You think about how you’ll get ready for a sleepover with a friend. How can you anticipate what you need to spend time with God?

Pray together:

Lord, help us to be prepared to act as your disciples whenever and wherever we get the chance.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

This week’s theme is PREPARE. God wants us to be prepared to experience the presence of the Spirit in our lives. Try these activities to help think about how your family can be prepared to meet God.

  • Singalong

    Learn the song “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” Sing this song together in the car as you travel this week. The words can remind you of the five bridesmaids who were prepared with oil
    in their lamps.

  • Quick Pack

    Pack a backpack as if you might be asked any minute to take a trip. You don’t know where you will be going or how long you will stay. What will you put in your backpack? What will you leave behind? How will these things help you prepare for an unexpected journey?

  • Family Fort

    Use sheets and blankets to set up a tent in your family room. Pretend like you are camping. Turn off all the lights in your house, and only use camper’s lanterns (or flashlights). How long does the oil (or batteries) in these lamps last? Is there a way to make the light last longer?

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of PentecostSalt 'n Light Kids