The Power Of A Parable | The Ten Bridesmaids | Pastor Peter Jordan

Sermon Led by Pastor Peter Jordan Sermon Date 4th October 2026 Yesterday at church we were looking at the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13) This Parable is part of the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew Chapters 24 to 25. It takes place in the final week of Jesus' Ministry before His crucifixion. Jesus has left the Temple after driving out the money changers and is sitting on the Mount of Olives with His disciples. It is a traumatic time and the atmosphere is heavy. Jesus is talking about end times, and His crucifixion is drawing nearer. There is uncertainty in the air just like there is at this time in our world. The disciples have asked a question: "Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24 v 3) The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids is the first of three parables told by Jesus whilst he is sitting on the Mount of Olives in answer to the Disciples question. The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids is followed by the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats. After talking about the signs of the time of His return and the fact that it is an unknown time, Jesus talks about how we must be prepared. Here are some key points from the first parable about being prepared: We need oil in our lamps — not just a lamp "The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps." — Matthew 25:4 All ten of the Bridesmaids had lamps. Outwardly, they looked similar. But only five had brought extra oil. The lamp can represent our outward Christian life—our confession, worship, ministry and involvement in church. The oil speaks to the inner work and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. "Be filled with the Spirit." — Ephesians 5:18 We cannot live on yesterday's oil The foolish bridesmaids had oil at one point, but they hadn't prepared enough for the delay. Jesus deliberately includes a delay: "The bridegroom was a long time in coming…" — Matthew 25:5 The Christian life isn't just about one powerful encounter with God in the past. We need a continuing relationship with the Holy Spirit – to go being filled with the Holy Spirit. We don't know how long we will wait for Christ's return, so we need to keep being filled. You could say: "Yesterday's oil cannot sustain today's journey." The Holy Spirit helps us stay awake spiritually "Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." — Matthew 25:13 The midnight cry came suddenly: "Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" The five wise bridesmaids were ready because they had prepared beforehand. In the last days there is a danger of spiritual sleepiness—becoming distracted, comfortable or spiritually dull. The Holy Spirit keeps our hearts sensitive to God's voice and helps us remain spiritually awake. We need to be a people who can hear the midnight cry. The oil cannot simply be borrowed from someone else When the foolish bridesmaids realised they were running out, they said: "Give us some of your oil." — Matthew 25:8 But the wise ones couldn't give them enough. There is something deeply personal about our relationship with God. We can be encouraged by someone else's faith, learn from someone else's experience and receive ministry from others—but we cannot borrow someone else's relationship with the Holy Spirit. Don't depend upon somebody else's fire. Carry your own oil. RT Kendal who was the Pastor at Westminster Chapel for many years and a theologian and Pentecostal wrote a book about the characteristics of a Wise Bridesmaid in the "Midnight Call". Here are his ten characteristics of a Wise Bridesmaid. One who has a disciplined life of daily prayer and Bible reading One who walks in total forgiveness One who is accountable to fellow believers One who walks in all the light God gives him or her One who submits totally to Holy Scripture One who welcomes the counsel and rebukes of godly people One who pursues not only the fruit of the Spirit but also the gifts One who pursues not only the gifts of the Spirit but also the fruit One who cares deeply about a reward at the judgment seat of Christ One who develops a genuine sensitivity to the ways of the Holy Spirit Will you allow Him to pour the oil of His Holy Spirit into you – it will never run out whilst you are here on this earth. I yield today with a prayer from South African writer and preacher, Andrew Murray: Father, may the Holy Spirit have full dominion over me: in my home, in my character, in every word of my tongue, in every thought of my heart… may the Holy Spirit have entire possession. If you wish to give towards the Church and our missions please follow the link below for our website https://sawyerschurch.org/give/ Sawyers Church Sawyers Hall Lane Brentwood Essex CM15 9BN For all enquiries please contact the Sawyers Church office hello@sawyerschurch.org