Are You Ready?

Matthew 25:1–13: With everything happening in the world today, there is a question we often shy away from a question that challenges us to look beyond the here and now: Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ?

We hear about wars, uncertainty, suffering, and changes happening around us. While we cannot know what tomorrow holds, God's Word reminds us that Jesus Christ will come again. Yet, we do not know the day or the hour. The question is not whether we can predict His return, but whether we are living in readiness for it.

In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, while five were foolish and came unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived, those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. The others arrived later, only to discover that they had missed the moment.

This parable carries a powerful message for us today. All ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, and all had lamps. Outwardly, they appeared ready, but only five had made the necessary preparations. It reminds us that being familiar with Christianity is not the same as being spiritually ready to meet Jesus. Attending church, knowing Scripture, or being surrounded by believers cannot replace a genuine relationship with Christ and a faith that perseveres.

The oil in the parable should not be reduced to one simple symbol, but the central lesson is clear: we must be prepared, because we cannot assume we will have more time. We cannot borrow someone else's faith or wait until the last moment to take God seriously. Our walk with Christ is something we must cultivate daily through faith, prayer, obedience, repentance, and dependence on Him.

Jesus concludes the parable with these words:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” — Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

Being ready does not mean living in fear or constantly searching for signs of the end. It means living with hope, remaining faithful in our everyday lives, loving others, sharing the Gospel, and keeping our hearts anchored in Christ even when the world around us feels uncertain.

So, let us pause and reflect. If Jesus were to return today, would we be ready? Are we simply carrying the appearance of faith, or are we truly walking with Him? Are there things we have been putting off prayers we have neglected, forgiveness we have withheld, or a relationship with God we have allowed to grow cold?

We do not know when Jesus will return, but we can choose how we live while we wait. May we be found faithful, with our lamps burning and our hearts prepared to welcome our Bridegroom.

The question is not simply, “Is Jesus coming again?” The question is: “Am I ready when He comes?”