Wedding ceremonies were a big part of village life in first century Jewish culture, and Jesus uses the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids to issue a severe warning against not being prepared for the final day. Out of his great love and mercy, God desires us to be included in the marriage feast of the bridegroom, so he tells us this parable so that we do not put off being ready for the bridegroom's arrival. Through regular discipline of wisdom, we are called to live a life that honours God. We do not want to hear, "I do not know you," when we come face to face with our Lord. Jesus has paid the price for our sin and died on the cross to claim victory over Sin and Death. He laid down his beautiful and holy life so that we would be included in the eternal banquet of heaven. Therefore, let us be prepared by knowing Jesus and honouring him in all that we do!