Parable of the Ten Virgins - Children's Sermon

How many of you are Cub or Boy Scouts? How many of you are Girl Scouts?

Who can tell me one thing that both programs have in common?

Who can tell me something that is different about them?

Well , I have a trivia question for you. Did you know that both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have the same motto? Does anyone know what it is?

That’s right, “Be Prepared”

What does it mean to “be prepared”?

My daughter loves to watch Survivor and we are always amazed by the number of contestants that don’t know how to build a fire or swim or some other crucial outdoor survival skill. The host, Jeff, even said in the reunion show that he is amazed how many contestants get caught off guard with fire starting skills. This year, this skill may have cost one of the contestants the win. Jeff asked them why they don’t practice these skills once they hear that they have been selected.

In the Bible, there is a story of 5 women who were not prepared. This story is told 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.

Remember, this story is a parable: a story, like a fable, with a hidden purpose or idea in it. Did you guys bring your thinking caps?

Ok, Question 1: This is a story about a wedding. But what do you think the wedding is supposed to be? What special place do you think these people are trying to go to? (Try to get one of the kids to say “heaven”)

You guys are very smart. If they are trying to get into heaven, who do you think the bridegroom is? (God or Jesus)

Why were some let into heaven and others not? (they were ready)

Ok, here is the biggie – How do we “prepare” for heaven? (Read the Bible, Pray, Go To church)

Doesn’t that make sense? Just like if you got invited to go on the next Survivor you would learn how to start a fire, swim, balance on a stick, when you are trying to join God in heaven, you would prepare by talking to him, learning about his ways, and by following those ways?

In this way, we are prepared. . .just like the scouts and just like the well-trained survivor contestants.

Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:

Dear God, Please help me prepare for the day that I enter heaven. Let me learn all that I can. Help me to be prepared for your call. Let your grace fill me and your love feed me. Amen.