Is Jesus' Door Ever Locked?

I have written a bit about the issue Jesus has with hypocritical attitudes and behaviors.  Those who say one thing and do another.  But this morning I am struggling with one of Jesus’ parables that at first read is quite offensive.  It is the one about the ten women and their oil lamps.  Jesus divides them in to two groups — the wise and foolish.  Those who are prepared and those who are not (Matthew 25:1-13).

This is one of those texts that can promote the “Left Behind” mentality of today.  The theology that only the very best can be saved.  It is all about the “chosen” and the “unchosen”!  Because! It does say right there, in verses 10&11, that Jesus did not open the door to the five who where late in coming. And he basically says to them, behind those closed door:  Go away! Its too late for you!  

Now, I will admit that every time I read this parable I am offended by the fact that Jesus turns the five foolish women away.  I am also offended by the women, call wise, who didn’t share their oil.  But then, at the same time, I have to wonder why the five foolish women just didn’t follow behind the other women. Why didn’t they  just followed the crowd; and gotten inside without their own lights?  Right? 

So I will leave you with just those thoughts this morning.  I invite you to read the parable and see what question, or thoughts, you come up with.

Then think about what the other side of Jesus words speaks to.  

Remember, a parable always has two points. 

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, "Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise replied, "No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, "Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he replied, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.(Matt. 25:1-13)