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Making sense of a strange story that makes very little sense:

^{Matthew 25:1-13}

Remember that is everything:

Every teaching has a and .

Parables usually have one .

Everyone back then what we don’t now.

What this means for us today:

^{Matthew 25:1-13, 7: 13-29, John 14:1-3, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, 5:1-11, Ephesians 5:25-32, Revelation 19:7-8}

If we take Jesus’ teaching seriously, then:

Even though everyone is , not every person is a .

Being a child of God is a that can’t be or from someone else.

There will be a time where this will and our decisions will be .

WARM UP

1. Chris talked about the things we find ourselves watching closely, from the score of a game to our finances or the weather. What’s something you find yourself checking, tracking, or keeping an eye on most often?

   
   

2. What’s something you’ve been looking forward to lately that has you counting down or watching the days go by?

   
   

3. Thinking back on this past week’s message, what’s one thing that stood out to you or has stayed on your mind? Maybe something that challenged you, sparked a question, or that you would share with a friend who missed it.

   
   

KNOW IT

1. The ten women in Matthew 25 were all waiting for the bridegroom, but not all of them were prepared for His arrival. What do you think is the difference between knowing Jesus will return and actually living ready for Him?

   
   

2. If Jesus said, “I don't know you,” on what grounds would you object? Can you give biblical reasons you know you are saved? Read the following passages to guide you: John 3:16-18 Romans 10:9-13 1 John 5:11-13 Ephesians 1:13-14 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

   
   

SHARE IT

1. Have you seen God change someone’s life in a way you never expected? Maybe someone you never thought would follow Jesus. What did that experience teach you about what God can do?

   
   

2. Chris reminded us that faith can’t be borrowed from someone else. Be honest: is your Christian life running on “oil” — a genuine, personal, Spirit-supplied relationship with Christ — or on the borrowed enthusiasm of your community, your family, or your church attendance? How can you tell?

   
   

LIVE IT

1. The wise women in the story couldn’t lend their oil. How does understanding that God’s grace and mercy can’t be transferred to another person change how you invest in the people closest to you?

   
   

2. Read Galatians 6:9-10 together. One aspect of watchfulness is not to grow weary in doing good. Is there an area where you’ve grown discouraged, overwhelmed or perhaps a little complacent in sharing your faith? What might it look like to take a faithful next step and trust God with the rest?