Behold, the Bridegroom!

Jesus' parable of the ten virgins is that of bridesmaids in a wedding party, some of whom were not prepared for the midnight procession with oil in their lamps. These represent those in the visible church who are thought the same as the others, but lack the preparation of the Holy Spirit at the bridegroom's sudden arrival.

Jesus' parable is also an imperative not to sleep; whether believers, who are to stay spiritually awake to prepare the bride, or unbelievers whose sleep would be ultimately damning if the bridegroom arrives to them unprepared.