Jesus' parable of the ten bridesmaids is set against a different social background from ours. The story seems to unlikely to us. The Ten Bridesmaids imagines that there may well have been a real situation like that and presents a discussion between the mothers of two of the foolish bridesmaids. This sidelines comment helps the congregation to be ready for the story Jesus told.
| Narrator: | It is the middle of the day, and Joanna and Rebecca meet by chance at the well. |
| JOANNA: | Rebecca, so glad to see you! |
| REBECCA: | I'm glad to see you too, Joanna! I've felt so lonely! |
| JOANNA: | Yes. The middle of the day is not the favourite time for getting the water, but it's best for us just now! |
| REBECCA: | Have you seen any of the other three mothers? |
| JOANNA: | Not yet - I suppose they are lying low for the moment, too! |
| REBECCA: | It's all been so embarrassing... |
| JOANNA: | ... so shaming for us! |
| REBECCA: | All because our daughters weren't quite ready on time! |
| JOANNA: | My daughter, Anna, went off like a princess - the first time she's ever been a bridesmaid! |
| REBECCA: | Elizabeth, too! I helped her polish up the lamp, made sure she had enough oil! |
| JOANNA: | But the bridegroom was late. That wasn't their fault at all! |
| REBECCA: | First I knew was my Elizabeth running in all frantic - she needed money for more oil! |
| JOANNA: | When Anna came in, I was shocked, thought the wedding feast should have been well under way by then! |
| REBECCA: | Then Elizabeth came back again distraught - not allowed in! |
| JOANNA: | Shut out! |
| REBECCA: | It's not the first time it has happened. |
| JOANNA: | The rules are so strict about bridesmaids being ready... |
| REBECCA: | ... but not about bridegrooms being on time! |
| JOANNA: | Of course, apart from the bride herself, the bridegroom is the most important person. By comparison, the bridesmaids have only a minor role! |
| REBECCA: | Small consolation for us! |
| JOANNA: | So now the local gossips take it out on us! |
| REBECCA: | Lie low for a bit longer! Hopefully it will blow over! |
| Narrator: | It was all so like a story Jesus told. |
| Reader: | Matthew 25.1-13. |