This message will focus on Jesus’ teaching about no one knowing the day and the hour of the end. (Matthew 24:36-51)
SERMON OUTLINE
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
The Unknown Hour of Jesus’ Coming (24:36-41)
- The nature of Jesus’“coming” (parousia)
- The timing is unknown
- It will catch people unaware:
- Like in Noah’s day
- Like those interrupted in their work
Disciples Keep Watch and Are Ready (24:42-44)
- Like a homeowner burglarized didn’t know
- We do not know
- How to live in light of the unknown appearing:
- Keep watch
- Be ready
A Parable About Watchful Readiness (24:45-51)
- What sort of servant is faithful and wise?
- There is one who does what he has been commissioned to do
- There is another who fails in his commission and misuses others
- The timing is unknown so be watchful, ready, and faithful
Since there will be an end and Christ will return, how should we live?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are you most looking forward to with the coming of summer?
- We continue our series, “The Beginning of the End,” this week by looking at the second part of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24, giving attention to verses 36-51. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud.
- Background: Most biblical scholars agree there is a shift in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 from the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem to his “coming” or “return” (Greek: parousia) at the end of human history. For the purposes of this study, we assume that shift begins in verse 36.
- What does Jesus’ say about the timing of His coming and who knows it in verses 36-41?
- Jesus offers two illustrations about the suddenness and unexpected nature of His coming. What are those illustrations?
- Given this explicit teaching of Jesus, why do you think so many people spend so much time trying to figure out “when” Jesus’ will return?
- In verses 42-44, what does Jesus call His disciples to do in light of the unknown timing of His return?
- What illustration does Jesus offer in verse 43 to illuminate what He is talking about?
- What do you think it looks like to be watchful and ready for Jesus’ return?
- The parable in verses 45-51 gives a picture of readiness. How would you say this parable illustrates Jesus’ teaching in verse 42-44?
- What is one thing you learned or sense God is speaking to you through this study of Matthew 24? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 24:42 or 44.
- Consider watching the Bible Project video, “The Day of the Lord”
- For further insight into the Parousia, consider reading “The Parousia: Getting our Terms Right” by Walter Riggans in Themelios 21