FHE
with
The Oil of Preparedness
Scripture:
Matthew 25:1–4, 8–12
1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
8. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Song:
I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus Children’s Songbook page 78
Lesson:
Jesus is like the bridegroom and members of His Church are like the ten maidens. We too know that He will come again, but we do not know when, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matt. 25:13.) If we are prepared, like the five wise maidens, we will be ready when He comes.
In these last days, the Lord has said, “Be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17).
The blessing is that as we prepare in faith, that God will stay with us through every trial until the day of His coming. We will receive future blessings that will not corrupt nor fade away. (See 1 Peter 1:3–5. ) Till that time we also have the blessing of hope and confidence in His faithfulness, that He will finish the work He’s begun in us. (See Philippians 1:6.) We will aide in His love and be filled with joy as we keep His commandments. (See John 15:10.)
Quote:
“We all need to be like the wise virgins and be ready for when the Lord comes again, because we will forever regret being foolish and unprepared.” Emilee Susannie Barber
Q&A:
What did Jesus want us to learn from the parable of the 10 virgins? (Discuss ideas.)
How do we prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? (Discuss ideas.)
Why wouldn’t the wise maidens share their oil with the foolish maidens? (Discuss ideas.)
Why were the foolish maidens turned away after the door was shut? (Discuss ideas.)
What blessings are in store for us if we are spiritually prepared? (Discuss ideas. See D&C 76:62–63.)
Story:
Precious Vessel
Melanie peered deeply into the little clay lamp that was cradled in her tiny hands. “Oh, no!”
“What’s wrong, Melie? Don’t you like the gift Grandma sent you?” Mother asked with concern.
“Oh, yes, I like it a lot. It’s just…,” Melanie motioned for Mother to come closer so she could whisper in her ear. “There’s no oil in my lamp. I don’t want to be foolish.”
“We definitely don’t want to be foolish,” Mother answered in a hushed voice, “What should we do?”
“Get some oil!” Melanie exclaimed out loud.
“Okay, then!” Mother said, leading Melanie by the hand into the kitchen. Mother stood on her small step stool and reached for the big gallon can of olive oil that stood on the shelf above the cupboards.
Melanie eagerly placed her little lamp on the counter and held it still for Mother to fill.
“Before I fill your lamp,” Mother warned, “you must promise me that you will never, ever light the lamp by yourself. Promise?” Mother asked.
“I promise, Mommy! I don’t play with matches ’cause I don’t ever want to get burned like Uncle Rick did when he was little.”
Mother winced with the memory of the agony her brother had gone through after he had been burned while playing with matches as a child.
“That’s good, because I don’t ever want to see anyone I love to go through all that pain and anguish again,” she said softly before filling the little vessel with oil.
“There, your lamp is filled,” Mother stated. “Now are you prepared, Melie?” she asked.
“Hmm,” Melanie thought for a moment, “I don’t think I am, but my lamp is!” she concluded.
“You’re pretty smart for one so small. You know there’s a lot to learn and do in order for us to be prepared for Jesus’ return. Like reading our scriptures, attending our Church meetings …”
“And saying our prayers,” Melanie enthusiastically added.
“And saying our prayers,” Mother agreed. Mother then struck the match and placed it against the cotton wick.
“Turn off the lights, Mommy,” Melanie pleaded.
Mother flipped the light switch off and the light from the little oil lamp glowed in the darkness.
Melanie placed her chin down on the counter near the lamp. “Oh, look how pretty it is, Mommy!” She exclaimed with gleaming eyes as she watched the little flame dance.
The heavenly glow emanating from the flame cast a soft halo above Melanie’s angel face.
“Beautiful indeed,” Mother said in awe.
Then while taking in the majestic scene, Mother silently prayed, Dear Heavenly Father, please help me fill this precious vessel with the spiritual oil of preparedness she will need for thy Son’s return…
by Margie Nauta Lee
Activity idea:
The Oil of Preparedness
Take turns telling what we can do to prepare for the Second Coming; then put an oil drop into the lamp. With each drop of oil raise the flame slightly. When all the oil drops are in the lamp the flame should be full.
Treat idea:
Oil & "Lamp" Rolls
These fun "lamp-shaped" rolls are delicious dipped in garlic-basil oil. Prep is easy with ready-made roll dough from the freezer.