Matthew 25:1-12

Living Bible

25 “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids^[a] who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ^2-4 But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot.

^5-6 “So, when the bridegroom was delayed, they lay down to rest until midnight, when they were roused by the shout, ‘The bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!’

^7-8 “All the girls jumped up and trimmed their lamps. Then the five who hadn’t any oil begged the others to share with them, for their lamps were going out.

⁹ “But the others replied, ‘We haven’t enough. Go instead to the shops and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were gone, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

¹¹ “Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Sir, open the door for us!’

¹² “But he called back, ‘Go away! It is too late!’^[b]