The Bridesmaids

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is really about young women serving as bridesmaids. Their job was to accompany the groom as he came to collect his bride to escort her to their wedding. When his arrival was delayed, half of the bridesmaids run out of oil in their lamps. The other half were prepared and ready when the groom arrived, but the others were off buying oil. Jesus is telling His disciples in this parable that they had better be ready for His return.