SERMON - Proper 27

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus said: "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

"'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.'

"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.

"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

This is a difficult parable, because we aren't really aware of the customs of the day concerning weddings that Jesus uses in this story.

We do know however that Jesus wants to tell us something about the end times. He is pointing us to his promise to come again. That's why it's a reading set down for this Sunday. Another church year is quickly drawing to an end and so traditionally the readings at this time of year focus our attention on the end of this world. This is never a very popular subject. Because no matter how it's spoken about, it raises a certain amount of fear in our hearts. Ut's so easy to be heard to say, "You'd better believe, or else you're in real trouble.".

Usually the meaning of this parable is said to be that all God's people need to be prepared, ready for the bridegroom's return. And that it's possible to miss the boat. This is all true, but perhaps he also wants to say more. Perhaps we've missed his words of comfort and perhaps we've missed the surprise that is often lurking in his parables

Let's try to bring it alive into today's world.

(Make sure you organize someone to act as the "Bridegroom" who will appear later, and needs to know what to do without any prompting)

Could I please have five volunteers - foolish ones. And now another five more - wise ones.

Talking to the WISE

Where are you going - TO A PARTY. What sort? MARRIAGE - always good times weddings.

Now everyone knows that if you go to a wedding you need to have a lamp. (Give them an electric bedside lamp and plug it into an extension cord that reaches only to one side of the sanctuary) Why have you got that lamp? DON"T KNOW. Well nor do I but it looks terrific. It will lights the way. It looks attractive. What else do you need you wise people - (?) And extension cord, of course. I won't ask you why you need it because I'm sure you'll show us why later.

Chatting to the FOOLISH.

And where are you going? PARTY. Wow you going to the same one? Fantastic. In for a great time. You'll need a nice lamp as well. (Plug lamp in) By the way do you know much about the Bridegroom? NO. That's a pity. Perhaps you should.

So now, what's the problem? BRIDEGROOM MISSING. What are you going to do? How about we go in and begin without him? No, of course we couldn't do that we have to wait.

Sit down and have a rest because it could be a while. Do you know how long we may have to wait? Midnight!!! So you can go to sleep if you want....... Let's sing "Give me oil in my lamp" while we're waiting-

I think the time is getting close, you'd all better come over here. (Move them all to the other side of the church.) This is where he'll be coming. Here's the door to the party. (Foolish run out of extension cord - plug comes out and lamp goes out! Wise use their extension cord) Didn't you foolish ones bring an extension chord? Boy you must feel foolish now. WISE what should they do? Exactly you need the lamp. It's looks pretty terrible the way it is all dull and unlit. You'd better go and see if you can find an extension cord. Try that room over there. (Hide cord somewhat so that they take some time to locate it to give you enough time to get the other group into the party.)

Wow look here comes the Bridegroom. Fantastic! The wise enter. Have a great time. Enjoy!

(Foolish Group returns hopefully with cord) - Still feel a little foolish. Well plug in your lamp again and let's see what happens when we go to the party. I'm pretty confident that you'll get in. You have your lamp. You look terrific. Who ever heard of a Bridegroom not allowing his guests in when they look as good as you lot.

Knock on the door. Bridegroom "GO AWAY" Why? Light looks good. "GO AWAY"

To FOOLISH "Do you know why he won't let you in?" "NO" Maybe it means you don't know him too well.

Well let's try something else. Let's rewind. Both groups go back to where you are all waiting over here. Remember, just before you walked over this way. Before you have this extension cord (take extension cord away from foolish group) Bridegroom out again.

Lights on. Now come over here. Foolish group loses their light. You're going to look foolish, really foolish, because you have a lamp that doesn't work . But let's take the risk and come empty handed. You see I know the bridegroom and I reckon he is happy when we come empty handed, because he fills us with all sorts of wonderful things.

Here he comes. AND ....... Everyone goes into the party. (Thank all actors)

Everyone expects the lamps to be the important thing! Just as we all expect that the things we do and the lives we live to be the critical things. We need to have something to show our God. Everyone knows that. BUT if you know Jesus well, you know that is not the case at all. Jesus simply asks us to be there waiting for him. We need to know the bridegroom and when we do we know who he is one who accepts is just as we are.

You don't have to be wise or look nice with lamps burning brightly. You simply need to be there, that's all. Even with useless lamps and empty hands. It is possible to miss out on the party, but only because you're off doing you own thing or trying to make sure you look good and presentable.

The only thing we don't know about this gracious God of ours is exactly when he's coming. So keep watch, but not in fear, in joy. The one we are awaiting is the accepting one. Keep your eyes and lives focused on him.