Five young women stand in the dark, shut out of a wedding celebration. They were meant to be part of the joy, part of the procession, part of the feast. Instead, they are outside, knocking, pleading. From within comes a chilling reply: “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.”
What happened?
In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells a parable about ten young women waiting for a bridegroom. All ten expect him. All ten fall asleep as the night drags on. All ten wake at the midnight cry: “Here is the bridegroom!” But only five are ready.
The difference is simple and devastating. Five brought oil for their lamps. Five did not.
At first glance, they all look the same. They all belong to the group. They all anticipate the bridegroom. But when the moment comes, the difference is exposed. The unprepared cannot draw on the readiness from others. They cannot scramble at the last minute. While they are away trying to fix what should have been settled long before, the bridegroom arrives, the feast begins, and the door is shut.
This is not merely a story about wisdom and foolishness. It is about the return of Jesus Christ and the difference between those who are truly ready for him and those who only appear to be.
Many believe in God. Many acknowledge Jesus. Many associate themselves with his people. But that is not the same as knowing him. Jesus’ warning is clear: there will be some who expect to be welcomed, only to hear, “I do not know you.”
So what does it mean to be ready?
It means more than outward association. It means knowing Christ through the gospel, turning from sin and trusting in his finished work. It means a real relationship, one that endures through the long wait. Those who belong to him do not drift into indifference. They long for his appearing. They abide in him. They live in light of his return.
The delay is not a mistake. It is mercy. But it will not last forever.
When he comes, that moment will be final. The door will be shut.
So the question presses in: will you be ready?
If your faith is only appearance, hear the warning. Repent and believe the gospel.
But if you know him, if you are watching and longing for him, take heart. You will not be shut out. You will go in with him to the feast.
Be ready. He is coming.