03/31/2026
Tuesday: The Mount of Olives — Am I Ready for His Return?
Matthew 25:1–13
Jesus has departed from Jerusalem, and told his disciples the end will come soon, and His return will follow (Mattthew 24:1–3). Speaking from the slopes of the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus wants His disciples to be ready and aware of what is going to take place in the end. So, He tells a story.
Ten bridesmaids wait for the bridegroom. All of them fall asleep. But when the moment comes unexpectedly, ONLY five are ready. The others scramble because they are unprepared. And then comes the haunting image, they are shut out of the feast, and unable to join the celebration.
The difference wasn’t sleep. Jesus makes that clear.
The difference was their preparation.
They all had oil. Some had prepared with extra, the others did not.
And that’s the tension of the Kingdom: we don’t know when He will come, but we are responsible for how we live while we wait, and how we prepare ourselves for His arrival.
This parable isn’t about avoiding sleep, it’s about spiritual readiness. It’s about living in a constant state of being prepared for His return, where our lives match our confession. While the oil isn’t clearly defined, the point is unmistakable: some were ready when it mattered most, and some were not.
The tragedy isn’t just missing a moment, it’s missing the feast altogether.
Jesus is lovingly warning His followers, do not drift. Don’t delay. Don’t assume there will always be more time.
Because readiness isn’t built in the moment, it’s revealed in the moment.
So we have to ask, “Am I living in a way that would welcome His return, or would I be scrambling to catch up?”
Lord, keep my heart awake. In the waiting, guard me from drifting and distraction. Form in me a faith that is ready, watchful, and faithful. Let my life reflect a daily “yes” to You, so that whenever You come, I will be ready to meet You with joy. Amen.