Does Jesus Know You? (Matthew 25:1-13)

"But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you'" (Mt 25:12). "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Mt 7:23).

1. Who are the ten virgins and the bridegroom (Mt 25:1; 9:15)?
2. How are the wise and foolish virgins similar (Mt 25:1, 5, 7.)? Different (Mt 25:2-4)?
3. During the long delay was it bad that the virgins fell asleep (Mt 25:5)?
4. When the midnight cry was announced how were the foolish virgins unprepared (Mt 25:6-8a)?
   
• In your life where might you have “lamps” (visible practices) but be low on “oil” (a living, personal faith)?
5. Were the wise virgins selfish in their response to the foolish virgins’ request for oil (Mt 25:8-9)? How do you read their response?
6.  Is "the door was shut" a sober warning (Mt 25:10)? What does this teach you?
7. Despite their desperate plea, what does the bridegroom say to the latecomers (Mt 25:11-12; 7:21-23; Jn 10:14-15)? 
• Did the bridegroom not know the people he invited?
8. What does the final command teach you (Mt 25:13; 24:42)?
9. How does this parable simultaneously embody God's grace (all are invited) and human responsibility (one must prepare oil)?

1. Practical preparation (1-4). Taking oil in jars.

2. Panic (5-8). Give us some oil!

3. Permanant partition (9-10). The door is shut.

4. Piercing proclamation (11-13). I don't know you.