The prospect of a wedding is exciting; joy is about to be unleashed on the happy couple, their families and all around them. Jesus used this picture to describe the Day when He will come again with His Bride, the church (Revelation 21:1-2). The scene is set at the bride's home. In those days the bridegroom would come from his home to collect his bride and they would then be escorted back to his home by bridesmaids. As is the way in some cultures today, timing can be variable - as the man would be celebrating first with his friends before the wedding.
 
The bridesmaids would then be kept waiting. They were all alert at first but then darkness fell. Maybe they expected the bridal procession to be deferred until the following day. Anyway, in Jesus' story, half of the young ladies had not even considered that it might be a night-time procession, and had not bothered to bring any extra oil with them; but the other five had brought oil in case it was needed.
 
All the bridesmaids fell asleep, only to be woken at midnight by the joyful noise of the bridegroom and his friends. The wise girls got their lamps ready, but the foolish ones did not have enough oil for the procession. Although they begged some oil from their friends the answer was, 'No, go and buy your own; there is not enough'. It was not selfish but wise, as otherwise all the lamps would go out before reaching the man's house. They could not risk their bride stumbling along in the dark.
 
This was yet another parable warning the disciples (and through them, the church) to be fully ready for the moment Jesus will return to claim His Bride. The task for the trainee apostles was to teach both Jews and Gentiles the importance of being prepared to welcome Jesus when He comes again. That call is still the apex of the gospel message. Having Christ's coming as a clear focus point also prevents the church from stumbling along in the darkness of their own self-interest. If you knew that Jesus will come today or tomorrow, how different will your repentance, praise and lifestyle be? He expects us to be ready with a lifestyle and worship which will welcome Him. It is time to repent and get ready for Jesus.