Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I once showed up to a final exam convinced it was open-book. I had my notes color-coded, my coffee was hot, and my confidence was unjustifiably high. Five minutes in, the professor said, “Please close your books.” The sound of twenty-three binders snapping shut was the sound of collective regret. I was present, sincere, and completely unprepared. Fortunately, Dr. Wheeler was very merciful to me and let me retake the exam after I melted into tears in his office following the exam.

Matthew 25 has that same uncomfortable energy.

Jesus tells a series of stories about readiness, responsibility, and what faith looks like when no one is applauding. There are bridesmaids who run out of oil, servants who bury talents, and a final picture of sheep and goats that is far less cute than it sounds. The common thread is simple and unsettling. Timing matters. What we do with what we are given matters. Intentions are fine, but they don’t carry the day.

The parable of the ten bridesmaids hits close to home for anyone who has ever thought, I will deal with that later. All ten are invited. All ten fall asleep. Only five plan ahead. The difference is not belief. It is preparation. Faith that does not translate into daily choices has a short shelf life.

Then comes the parable of the talents. One servant doubles what he is given. Another does the same. The third buries his talent out of fear. He is not reckless or rebellious. He is cautious. Jesus doesn’t commend him for playing it safe. He rebukes him for wasting what he was entrusted with.

The chapter ends with Jesus describing the final judgment, where people are surprised by what mattered most. Feeding the hungry. Visiting the sick. Showing up for the forgotten. No grand gestures. No spotlight moments. Just ordinary faith lived out in ordinary days.

Matthew 25 quietly dismantles the belief that faith is mostly internal. Jesus keeps pointing outward. Toward action. Toward stewardship. Toward love that costs time and attention.

Here is an uncomfortable truth: Many people are sincere. Fewer are prepared. Many believe. Fewer act. Jesus does not scold us for not being extraordinary. He calls us to be faithful with what is already in our hands.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

This week, take inventory. What has God entrusted to you right now? Time, skills, relationships, resources. Choose one small, concrete way to use it intentionally for God’s purposes. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or perfect confidence. Faithfulness usually looks like showing up prepared, even when no one is grading you yet.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You see my heart, and You know how easily I confuse good intentions with faithful living. Give me wisdom to recognize what You have already placed in my hands, and courage to use it even when I feel unsure. Guard me from burying what You have entrusted to me out of fear, comfort, or distraction. Shape my faith so it moves beyond belief into daily obedience, especially in ordinary moments that feel small. Help me live awake, prepared, and faithful today, trusting that You are at work in what I offer to You now. Amen.