Introduction

We live in uncertain times that make planning difficult. None of us knows what the future holds, where we will be next year, what will happen with our children. In Matthew 24:1-35 we have Jesus’ teaching regarding the future. The words of God the Son came to earth. The Messiah who suffered for your sins, died in your place and was raised from the grave, the King who predicted his death and resurrection with complete accuracy. Our Saviour holds the future in his hands, he can tell us what lies ahead in the years to come.

If we know what the future holds, we have an advantage; we can make wise decisions. But nothing should have quite the same impact on our lives and decision making as knowing when Christ is going to return. He is the centre of history and when he comes in glory, that will be the end of the world as we know it. A day like no other—all earth will behold his majesty. We must be ready for that day.

Jesus is coming back

• Explain: Why is Jesus walking away from the temple? What has he been doing? Why do the disciples draw attention to the temple buildings?

• Explain: Why do the disciples connect the destruction of the temple with the end of the world? 

• Explain: What does Jesus say about the judgment to come and how it will be a two-stage process? What are the two stages?

• Explain: Who are the tribes of the earth? Why will they mourn when the Son of Man comes? 

• Explain: What will happen to God’s people when Christ returns in glory? Why is there no need for them to be afraid?

Jesus’ return will change everything

• Explain: What do the disciples mean when they ask for a sign? What are they hoping for?

• Explain: What are the various signs that will be seen before Jesus Christ returns in glory? 

• Explain: Are the signs given by Jesus, things still to come or things which we are already seeing in the world around us and have been seeing since his ascension?

• Explain: Do we have any specific signs as to when Christ is going to come so that we can know the precise date and hour?

• Explain/Apply: How does the general nature of the signs given by Jesus give us the right perspective whilst we wait for his return?

Prayer

Father,

We thank you that our Lord Jesus Christ is certain to return in glory and that he will make all things new when he comes. Thank you that we can look forward to his return without any fear of judgment because we know that Christ has already been judged in our place for our sins. Thank you that we can be confident of life in your presence. Please help us to keep trusting Jesus while we wait for his return. Keep us from false prophets and their lies, and do not let us become despondent when life is difficult and we are persecuted because of our faith.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.