May 2026
IN THIS LESSON - May 10, 2026
History and Scripture both confirm a simple, sobering, and endlessly relevant truth: those who prepare wisely are those who stand ready when the defining moment arrives. In this lesson, the Parable of the Ten Virgins makes that truth unmistakably clear — the difference between the wise and the foolish was not intelligence, devotion, or even good intentions, but the simple, unglamorous discipline of keeping their lamps filled before the darkness fell. We study the remarkable foresight of the ant in Proverbs 6:6–8 and the watchful readiness of Luke 12:35–40 to build a biblical theology of preparation that is both spiritually grounded and immediately practical. You will be asked to honestly examine your walk with God and identify the areas where you have been operating on spiritual fumes rather than on a full supply of what the moment demands. This lesson will move you from passive intention to active, diligent preparation — because those who are ready when He comes will not be found scrambling for oil they should have brought all along.
Facilitated By: Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #315
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
BarrysBureau.org
BarrysBureau.org
Lesson
05
The Wisdom of Preparation
Scriptural Focus
Matthew 25:1–13
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Supporting Scriptures
Proverbs 6:6–8 · Luke 12:35–40 · 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6
Theme
The Parable of the Ten Virgins reveals that preparedness is not optional — it is the defining difference between those who enter in and those who are left out.
Key Teaching Points
▸Preparation is a mark of wisdom, not mere caution
▸The wise virgins kept extra oil — always have reserves
▸Like the ant, prepare diligently in the present season
▸Stay watchful and alert: no one knows the day or hour
This Week’s Application
Identify one area of spiritual unpreparedness this week; write three actionable steps to address it.
For additional materials, click the image below
from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
📖 Word Search
Lesson 5 — The Wisdom of Preparation
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” — Matthew 25:13
🖥 Click & drag to select a word | 📱 Touch & drag on mobile
Words hide horizontally, vertically & diagonally
Words hide horizontally, vertically & diagonally
🏆
Excellent Work!
You found all 10 words from The Wisdom of Preparation! Every word points to a deeper truth — keep exploring God’s Word.
"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." — Matthew 25:13
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
Self-Directing, Immediate Feedback
Share results on your social media, encourage others to learn
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 5: The Wisdom of Preparation
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 25:1–13
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
— Matthew 25:13
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), what is the single defining difference between the wise and foolish virgins?
Question 2 of 7What is the central warning of Matthew 25:13 as applied to the spiritual life?
Question 3 of 7How does Proverbs 6:6–8's description of the ant relate to the lesson's theme of preparation?
Question 4 of 7Luke 12:35–40 reinforces the theme of preparation by comparing faithful believers to what?
Question 5 of 7The lesson uses the illustration of beginning a road trip without checking the fuel gauge. What does this represent?
Question 6 of 71 Thessalonians 5:4–6 calls believers to live as 'children of the light.' How does this connect to the lesson's theme of preparation?
Question 7 of 7Jason, the entrepreneur in this lesson's short story, applies the principles of Proverbs 6:6–8 to transform both his professional and spiritual life. What is the core lesson his story teaches?
🏆
Quiz Complete!
Certificate of Completion
has completed the self-directed quiz for
Understanding the Times — Lesson 5
“The Wisdom of Preparation”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 5
“The Wisdom of Preparation”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Memory Card
Match preparation principles to their scripture anchors
Fun learning leads to better understanding
Share this game on your social media sites, and encourage others
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Memory Card Game
Lesson 5: The Wisdom of Preparation
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 25:1–13🧠 Memory Game: Click cards to flip them. Find all 6 matching pairs — each preparation principle with its Scripture anchor!
Pairs found: 0 / 6 | Flips: 0
🏆
Well Done!
You completed this study game. Every truth you’ve reviewed is a seed God can use to deepen your walk with Him.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” — Matthew 25:13