The story of the Wise and Foolish Young Women & Their Lamps

A narrated simple enactment of Matthew 25:1-13

Narrator:
Once Jesus told the people this story, to help them understand about being ready for God. He said "God's kin-dom is like ten young women who were invited to a wedding. All of them took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom.
(Ten women file in to form one line along the front of the chancel, five smart together on one side, five foolish on the other. Each is holding either a toilet-paper tube flame or an imaginary lamp)

Five were foolish (Wise ones point at the silly ones)
Five were smart (Foolish ones look behind them - wondering who is being pointed at)

The foolish young women took lamps that burned oil for light, but they took no extra oil.
The smart young women took jars of oil to keep their lamps burning.
Turned out the bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him. So, they all fell asleep waiting.
(All heads fall sideways, forwards and snoring begins)

In the middle of the night someone yelled out (might stage someone from the back to yell this): "He's here! The bridegroom's here! Go out and greet him!" (The 10 suddenly wake up and lift up their lamps, hold over their heads, strain to see)

The ten got up and got their lamps ready. The foolish ones said to the smart ones, "Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil." (Foolish ones put out their one hand to beg from the smart ones)

The others answered, "But there might not be enough to go around; go buy your own." (Foolish ones drop their hands)

So they did, (Foolish take 3 steps to file out away from the others and then freeze) but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. Everyone who was there to greet him went into the wedding feast. (Smart ones smile suddenly, wave, adjust clothes - whatever - turn around, file out the side of the chancel and out of the room) And the door to the party was locked.

Much later, the other young women - the foolish ones - showed up. (Foolish ones unfreeze, turn around and walk back to centre of chancel, looking around and out where the others had left) They knocked on the door, saying, "Master, we're here. Let us in!"

He answered (not an offstage voice - just the narrator), "Do I know you? I don't think I know you."

So, Jesus said to the people: Stay on your toes! Be watchful, for you have no idea when God will call you."

(Foolish ones turn and face the congregation and together, lift their hands in a big SHRUG. Turn and file down the middle aisle and out, looking confused, all the while)

by Linnea Good

Permission to copy and perform during the Lectionary Year 2007/8
of the Story Lectionary <story-lectionary.com>
Be sure to credit author and web site, thanks.