THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS (BRIDESMAIDS)
    Matthew 25:1-13

  I.  There were three stages of a Jewish wedding.
      A.  The parents agree on the marriage and dowery.
      B.  The bridegroom and his friend go to the bride's home to get her.
      C.  The bridegroom returns home for a huge marriage celebration.
 
II.  The ten bridesmaids waited outside of the bridegroom's home ready for the party.
      A.  Each bridesmaid had brought a lamp or torch.
      B.  The five wise bridesmaids planned ahead and brought oil for the lamps.
      C.  The five foolish bridesmaids did not plan ahead and brought no oil.
      D.  All of the bridesmaids were tired and fell asleep; all ten looked alike.
      E.  When the bridegroom came the bridesmaids trimmed their lamps
            and the foolish bridesmaids realized they had no oil.
      F.   The bridesmaids without oil asked the others to share their oil but
            there was not oil enough to share.
      G.  When the bridesmaids went to buy oil the bridegroom came.
      H.  Later when the foolish bridesmaids knocked at the doo the bridegroom
           told them to go away; he never knew them because they were not ready.

III.  Lessons
     A.  No one knows when the Lord will return.
     B.  I must know that my faith is genuine.
     C.  Salvation cannot be transferred.
     D.  I cannot put salvation off;  I must be ready.