Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

​

​

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Are You Prepared?
Imagine you're planning a wedding. What are the 10 most important things to prepare ahead of time? Write down your list and then compare your list with the one below.  

Master List of Essential Wedding Preparations:
1.    Set the Date
2.    Book the Venue
3.    Choose the Wedding Party
4.    Send Invitations
5.    Choose an Officiant
6.    Pick the Dress & Attire
7.    Plan the Ceremony
8.    Hire a Wedding Coordinator
9.    Hire a Photographer/Videographer
10.    Order the Cake & Catering
11.    Arrange Flowers (Bouquets & Decorations)
12.    Prepare the Rings
13.    Premarital Counseling
14.    Decorate the Venue
15.    Plan the Reception
16.    Book Music & Entertainment
17.    Rehearse & Finalize Details
18.    Set Up Seating & Arrangements
19.    Arrange Transportation
20.    Plan for the Honeymoon
21.    Confirm Legal Documents (Marriage License)

Discussion Questions:
Looking at the list, what requires the most preparation?
Which items could be done at the last minute (even if not ideal)?
What's the one thing you cannot get at the last minute?
[The Marriage License. Unlike other details, a marriage license must be applied for in advance and typically takes 3-6 days to process. Without it, there's no legal wedding.]
 

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

​

​

Download PDF of Matthew 25:1-13

Read MATTHEW 25:1-6:

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The 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!’

What separates the foolish from the wise maidens? They received the same invitation, carried the same lamps, and waited together. Both groups even fell asleep and were awakened by the same cry. Yet, when the moment came, only one group was truly ready.

This parable teaches that you can't obtain essential oil at the last minute, and you can't borrow only something owned personally. The wise maidens carried extra oil because they valued the event enough to prepare. The foolish ones assumed they could rely on others when the time came. Their unpreparedness shut them out, not just from the wedding feast but from the very presence of the bridegroom. Jesus' words, "I do not know you" (v.13), echo throughout Scripture (John 17:3, Philippians 3:10). Knowing God personally is the heart of readiness.

The remaining ones aren't perfect, flawless, or privileged—they are simply those who thought about the wedding ahead of time, instead of as an afterthought. If we were to think of the second coming of Christ more and more often and consistently, we would be wise and prepare well by having more and more of the Holy Spirit guiding our lives, and keeping us ready.