The Living Word - The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Children's Sermon

This week we had a guest minister who spoke of the parable of the bridegroom / Ten Virgins. This is another parable that appeared to go against what I thought of God’s love and forgiveness, but for some reason as I listened to it being read this week, I heard . . .I was looking at it backwards again. It was not about sharing or the lack thereof. It was about filling our life with God. It was about listening, learning, and growing our faith now, so that when the call is made, we will be ready. You cannot wait for the call and then decide to believe. You have to live a good and righteous life today, now, always and the door will be opened. You cannot wait until the call has been made to proclaim your love and dedication.

I thought about how you might teach children about this parable. Children understand getting prepared. They have slept over Grandma’s house or gone camping.

Props: sleeping bag, tooth brush, hair brush, change of clothes, pjs, pillow

Hello everybody. How are you today?

Today, we are going on a trip and we need to pack. If we really were going on a camping trip, what items might you bring with you? (as they mention the items that you have out, move them from one side to the other on stage)

What if I told you that we were going to go on a trip after Sunday School next week, when would you pack? How many would pack when you get home today? How many would pack during the week? Who would wait until the very last minute and would be finished just in time to get in the car to head to church?

Now what if I did not tell you when we were going but told you that you needed to be ready whenever I came by. I may not come by today, this week, or even this year. Would you go home and pack right away? Would you keep your bag packed?

This is what Jesus is talking about in the parable of the Bridegroom. This can be found in Matthew 25: 1-13 :

1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour".

Jesus is also talking about preparing about a journey, he is talking about preparing spiritually, not physically. He is speaking of the call to heaven. Are you ready? Have you packed?

What do you think Jesus wants us to pack in our heart?

When do you think he wants us to get ready? Should we be asking him to wait while we get our last few things together? Or should we have packed and been ready for whenever he may come?

You all are already packing to be ready for the call. You have come to church. You go to Sunday School. I’m sure you pray and are beginning to read your Bibles. When the call comes you will be ready and welcomed. The doors to the banquet will remain open for you.

Lets fold our hands and bow our head – Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your word. We continue to read it and to try to understand it. We will continue to fill our spiritual lamps and try to light the way for others. So that all may be ready for your call, so that we can all enter the banquet of heaven. AMEN