In Matthew 25:1–13 NKJV, Jesus shares the parable of the ten virgins, a powerful story about readiness, vigilance, and the return of the bridegroom. It is a call to spiritual alertness and enduring faith as we await the coming of our Lord.

This 5-day devotional, The Bridegroom is Coming, invites you into a deeper reflection on what it means to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. Each day will explore a portion of this parable, drawing out its meaning, examining the hearts of the wise and foolish virgins, and encouraging personal readiness through prayer, watchfulness, and faithful living.

Whether you are new to the parable or returning to it with fresh eyes, this journey is an opportunity to prepare your heart, renew your oil, and stay awake for the Bridegroom’s arrival. May these meditations stir your soul, awaken your love for Jesus, and strengthen your commitment to walk as one ready for His glorious return.

Matthew 25:1 NKJV: Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Jesus, the Master Teacher, spoke with a clarity and depth that continues to captivate hearts across generations. No one communicates divine truth more effectively. Jesus had the ability to take everyday moments and turn them into windows into eternity. In this parable, He paints a picture drawn from a familiar scene in Jewish life: ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom, a powerful symbol of His return.

The heart of this story is readiness. Though all ten were invited and waiting, only five were truly prepared, carrying the extra oil needed for the long night. The others, though they intended to meet the Bridegroom, were caught unready. This story is a call to actively prepare to meet our Bridegroom: through spiritual awareness, seriousness in our faith, and a life of daily sacrifice.

Questions to Ponder:

• What does it mean to be spiritually prepared in your daily life?

• Are there areas where you may be spiritually “asleep”?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, awaken my heart to watchfulness. Help me live in expectation of Your return, ready and faithful. Give me wisdom and grace to keep my lamp burning brightly. Amen.

Scripture Reading: 

Matthew 25:2-4 NKJV: 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

The difference between the wise and the foolish virgins wasn’t in their invitation; they were all included, all expecting to meet the Bridegroom. The real distinction was in their preparation. Wisdom was demonstrated in anticipating delay and bringing extra oil, while foolishness was exposed by neglecting what was needed for the journey.

This parable reminds us that in our walk of faith, wisdom is not just about knowing the truth, but living it out with foresight and intentionality. God calls us to align our daily choices with His Word. It's possible to be on the right path outwardly and yet act unwisely such as ignoring our need for rest, balance, or spiritual nourishment. True wisdom is applying God’s truth in practical ways, including how we care for our bodies, minds, and relationships as we await His return.

A few years ago, I traveled to Nigeria, and on my return home, I discovered that I had tested positive for COVID-19. I remember being quarantined in our spare bedroom, isolated and uncertain. During that time, God spoke clearly to my heart: “If you don't rest physically, you are susceptible to disease, and if you don't rest spiritually, you are susceptible to spiritual attacks.” That moment marked a turning point for me. I realized that neglecting rest both physically and spiritually is not just unwise; it's dangerous. Wisdom includes recognizing our limits and creating space to be renewed in God’s presence.

Questions to Ponder: 

• How are you prioritizing rest ?

• What “extra oil” do you need to carry in your spiritual walk?

Prayer: God of wisdom, teach me to walk wisely, preparing my heart and life for You. Let me not grow complacent or careless, but live intentionally with Your truth. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:6 NKJV : And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’” These words echo with urgency, surprise, and finality. The cry did not come at a convenient hour. It came at midnight, when the world was asleep, when the lamps were low, and when the hearts of the unprepared were exposed.

This part of the parable highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of Christ’s return. It won't be scheduled or signaled ahead of time. It will interrupt the ordinary, whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, the Bridegroom will come. Ready or not.

The midnight hour also symbolizes testing, waiting, and often, weariness. It challenges the durability of our faith. Are we only watchful when it's easy, or will we endure through the long night

For the wise virgins, the cry was met with readiness, even in the darkness. They had their lamps trimmed and oil in reserve. But for the foolish, panic set in. They were caught off guard, scrambling to find what they had neglected to prepare.

God calls us not to live in fear, but in faith-filled expectation. The midnight cry is not just a warning, it’s an invitation. The Bridegroom is coming, not to condemn, but to gather His beloved. Will you be found ready?

Questions to Ponder:

• Are you living in a way that reflects anticipation of Christ’s return?

• What are the “midnight” moments in your life, and how are you preparing your heart during them?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, wake me from spiritual slumber. Help me to live with a heart that watches and waits with joy. Let my life be prepared for Your return, not just in word, but in faithful action. Teach me to embrace the midnight seasons with hope, knowing that even then, You are near. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:7 NKJV: Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

When the call came, all the virgins rose but only those who had prepared were able to respond with purpose. As they trimmed their lamps, this seemingly simple act spoke volumes. It wasn’t just about being awake; it was about being intentional. Trimming the wick ensured the lamp would burn clearly and without smoke. Spiritually, this is a call to maintain the fire of our faith with diligence and care.

The Apostle Paul echoed this idea when he wrote to Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV). Fanning the flame and keeping it alive requires more than passive waiting. It takes action: devotion, prayer, time in the Word, community with believers, worship, repentance, and obedience.

The wise virgins didn’t panic when they heard the shout, they were ready. Their preparation allowed them to respond quickly, faithfully, and with peace. Are we living with that kind of spiritual attentiveness, so that our light remains strong even in the darkest hour?

Questions to Ponder:

• What daily practices are you using to “trim your lamp” and keep your spiritual flame burning?

• In what ways might your light be dimming, and how can you rekindle it?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to faithfully tend the flame You have placed in me. Teach me to stay spiritually awake and intentional in my walk with You. May my life shine with clarity and purpose as I await Your return. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:10-13 NKJV: And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us! 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

When the bridegroom arrived, those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast and the door was shut. The sobering reality is that not everyone entered. Opportunity comes in seasons, and grace, though abundant, must be responded to.

The shut door symbolizes the finality of judgment, the end of waiting. It urges us not to delay our response to God’s invitation. Spiritual procrastination is a subtle but deadly trap. Many intend to be ready “someday,” but the parable reminds us that the time is now.

Jesus’ call to “keep watch” is not meant to instill fear, but to awaken urgency and desire. He longs for us to be with Him. The joy of the wedding feast is the reward of those who prepared in faith and obedience. Let us not only watch the door let us be found ready to walk through it.

Questions to Ponder:

• Are there decisions of faith or obedience you’ve been putting off?

• How does the reality of the closed door impact the way you live today?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for inviting me into Your kingdom. Help me not to delay or drift, but to respond with urgency and love. Let me be found ready, trusting in Your grace, walking through the door You’ve opened. Amen.