Ready, Set… Jesus
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet their bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” “No” they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. “Lord, lord!” they said, “open the door for us!” but he replied, “truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:1-13 (NIV)
This story captures little hearts because it’s full of familiar ideas, waiting, getting sleepy, carrying lamps, and getting ready for something exciting. Jesus uses this parable to teach that being ready means staying close to Him. This mini devo helps parents introduce a big truth in a simple, loving way: Jesus is coming back, and He wants our hearts shining with love for Him. Here is how:
Engage:
Invite your little one into the story by helping them make connections they already understand. Remind them how Jesus sometimes talked about wise and foolish choices just like the wise and foolish builders who chose where to build their house. In this story, Jesus again shows us wise and foolish friends, but this time it’s about being ready.
Explain simply that long ago, lamps didn’t turn on with a switch or batteries. They needed oil to shine, just like lanterns or flashlights today need batteries. No oil meant no light.
Then explore the idea of waiting together. Ask your child:
“Have you ever had to wait for something exciting?”
“Is waiting easy or hard?”
“Do you ever feel tired or sleepy when you wait?”
As you read the story, pause and point out the difference:
The wise friends were ready before it got late. The foolish ones were not.
Help your little see that Jesus is teaching us something loving, not to rush or worry, but to be ready for his return.
Apply:
Just like oil helped the lamps shine, the things we do with and for Jesus help our hearts stay bright.
Talk about what that can look like in their world:
Saying a short prayer together
Choosing kindness when it’s hard
Listening and obeying
Helping instead of ignoring
Forgiving quickly
Telling Jesus we love Him
Tell your little a story about a time you had to be ready, waiting patiently, making a wise choice, or trusting God even when it was hard. Littles learn readiness best by watching.
Repeat & Reinforce:
Build a cozy fort:
Bring lamps, charger, snacks, and supplies to make a cozy fort.
Set a timer and practice waiting, knowing Daddy is coming and there will be a party, they wouldn’t want to miss it!
Mini Oil Lamp Craft:
Decorate a paper cup to make a lamp. Add a tissue paper flame and “fill” with yellow pom-poms to represent the oil.
Waiting Box:
Fill a box with quiet, fun “waiting activities” (blocks, stickers, crayons).
Let kids pick one while practicing patience, reminding them that just like the virgins waited, we can stay ready and joyful as we wait for Jesus.
Have a Dance Party:
Play “Jesus is coming back” by Forrest Frank and have a dance party
They will love singing their hearts out!
Closing Thought
For littles, this story isn’t about fear or being “too late.” It’s about learning that Jesus is coming back and that He wants us to be close to Him now. Just like the wise friends brought oil to keep their lamps shining, our children learn that spending time with Jesus through prayer, kindness, and listening helps keep their hearts ready. To help bring this lesson to life:
Watch the 2 min “not the end” animated video below with your little.
For even more hands-on fun, pair it with the activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
Ready, Set…Jesus Activity Sheet
Bring Matthew 25:1-13 to life in a fun, hands-on way! This 1-page activity sheet features an “I spy Wedding” seek-and-count activity. Children color each object, count how many of each they find, and write the number in the box, reinforcing the parable while practicing observation, counting, and writing skills in a playful, faith-filled way.
Not the End | Stories of the Bible
