The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

"Jesus' conclusion to the parable [of the wise and foolish bridesmaids] emphasizes its lesson: constant alertness is necessary because it is impossible to pinpoint the time of the Lord's coming. The parable is a warning to the church, which consists of both wise and foolish disciples. Matthew's gospel highlights this parable because, for the church of Matthew, the return of Jesus has indeed been delayed. Jesus has not returned as swiftly as many in the early church anticipated. The church must learn to remain vigilant, anticipating the Lord's coming while its members perservere in faithful service and proclaim the kingdome to the nations." Matt 25:1-13 http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=54277
Schadow, Friedrich Wilhelm von, 1789-1862