Search Results

A Test from the Pharisees READ Matthew 22:34-36 34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” The Pharisees thought they could be more successful than the Sadducees in trapping Jesus so He could be arrested. A lawyer who would have been an expert in the Mosaic law thought he had the perfect question. Surely all the laws were important so how could one be more important than another? What would Jesus’ answer be? REFLECT Perhaps you only think of the Ten Commandments when you think of the Old Testament laws, but there were many more. RESPOND Talk about this with another believer. According to common Jewish count there were 613 laws that were to be obeyed. No one could perfectly keep them all. See what the apostle Paul said was the purpose of the law by reading Romans 3:19-20. See also what James 2:10 says about someone who fails even to keep one of the laws. The Greatest Commandment READ Matthew 22:37-40 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” This was Jesus’ answer to the question, “Which is the most important commandment?” Some may have thought they were acceptable on the “first and greatest commandment,” but they certainly could not pass the second. The Jews despised the Samaritans and all Gentiles, and the Jewish leaders even looked down on some of the uneducated Jewish people. REFLECT How would you answer each of Jesus’ commands? Reflect on your life and think about this. RESPOND Visit with another Christian about these two commands Jesus gave. Talk about putting Jesus first in everything and loving others as He has loved us. Read Colossians 1:18 and John 13:34 to help in your discussion. Jesus Asks a Question READ Matthew 22:41-42 41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” As before when others tried to trap Jesus, He asked them a question. The Pharisees acknowledged that the Messiah would be the “son of David.” It must be remembered that in the Bible the word “son” is often used as “descendant” as “father” is often used as “ancestor.” What will Jesus say to the Pharisees? REFLECT As you read the Bible, have you thought about the meaning of “son” and “father” as now pointed out? RESPOND Talk with another believer about Jesus the Jewish Messiah also being your Savior. He came into the world not only to be Israel’s Messiah but also to pay for the sins of the entire world. For both of these aspects, see Luke 2:11 and 1 John 2:2. My Lord READ Matthew 22:43-46 43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said, 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’ 45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” 46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. Jesus quoted a passage from Psalm 110:1 that the Pharisees should have known. This passage reveals the full humanity and full deity of the Messiah—He was fully man and fully God. As a descendant in the line of David, Jesus was the “son” of David. Because Jesus is Lord, He is also God. Jesus had to have a human body in order to die; He had to be divine for His death to pay the debt of sin for everyone throughout time. REFLECT Consider the two aspects of Jesus’ two natures—both human and divine. Keep these in view as you read the Gospels because they give evidence of both. RESPOND Sometimes it is asked, “Was it possible for Jesus to have sinned?” He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4), but the Greek word used for “tempted” also means “tested.” He could be tested but there was nothing in Him to give Him the desire to respond because He was also God. A Bad Example READ Matthew 23:1-4 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.” This passage reveals that some can teach and preach the right message but not live it themselves. The listener needs to be discerning in listening to the message but observing the lives of those proclaiming it. The Pharisees and other religious leaders even added rules that needed to be kept even though the Old Testament law did not require such. REFLECT Are you careful not to talk a better Christian life than you are living? Does your life back up what you say? RESPOND On the one hand, follow the example of those in Berea in Acts 17:11; on the other hand, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:15-17. Consider also the instructions about choosing church leaders after they have first been tested (see 1 Timothy 3:8-10).

Seeking Honor READ Matthew 23:5-7 5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. 6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’” Jesus continued to warn his followers about the teachers of the Old Testament law and the Pharisees. Rather than their spirituality being inward and expressed outward; they did many things for show outwardly but did not have any inner spirituality. They even loved to be called “Rabbi,” an Aramaic word meaning “teacher.” REFLECT As you meet those with academic degrees, you likely will find many do not boast of their degrees; they desire to be treated as anyone else. RESPOND Talk with another believer about not doing things for show. Be careful about reciting memorized prayers without thinking of the words you are saying. See Matthew 6:5-8 to see the warning Jesus gave His followers before giving them a model prayer. Exalted and Humbled READ Matthew 23:8-12 8 “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. 9 And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. 10 And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus was distinguishing the spiritual from the physical. In the physical realm each person has a biological father; in the spiritual realm only God is the true Father. Jesus was also referring to the religious leaders and Pharisees who loved titles more than they loved people. They would have been the last ones who wanted to hear Jesus’ statement, “The greatest among you must be a servant.” They wanted others to serve them. REFLECT Even if you are distinguished from others because of your education, how do you want to be referred to in your local church setting? Do you give the impression that all of you are equal before God? RESPOND One who “ministers” to others is one who “serves” others. In many places today a “minister” is not thought of as a “servant,” but that is what he is. You also are a “minister” if you serve others. Talk with a fellow believer about the joy you receive in serving others. Remember, there is little ministry without a relationship. Not only should you love God, but also you should love people as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. Hypocrites READ Matthew 23:13 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.” A religious leader who does not believe what God has revealed about Himself will not only be barred from the kingdom of heaven but others who follow him will also be barred from it. Some manuscripts add a verse 14 that is similar to Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47. REFLECT Think how terrible it is if a religious leader does not believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, as well as in His atoning death for sin and His resurrection from the dead. Such a leader and those who believe what he is teaching will spend eternity separated from God unless they change their mind and trust in Jesus as Savior. RESPOND Read 1 Timothy 1:3-4 to see what the apostle Paul instructed Timothy about false teachers. Sorrow Awaits READ Matthew 23:15 15 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!” Jesus was not kind to these religious leaders who were misleading others. The word translated “hell” is from the Greek word “gehenna.” This word refers to the judgment and final destiny of all unbelievers in the lake of fire, which Revelation 20:11-15 describes. It is not to be confused with hades as seen in Luke 16:19-31 nor with 2 Peter 2:4 that refers to tartarus and the confinement of fallen angels. REFLECT Think how terrible this eternal judgment will be for all eternity. RESPOND With another believer, read Luke 16:19-31 to see that if one will not believe Moses and the prophets that person will not believe even if he sees someone risen from the dead. For proof of this see John 12:10-11 where the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead as recorded in John 11:40-44. They were not convinced by one risen from the dead. Blind Guides READ Matthew 23:16-18 16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’ 17 Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding.” This passage reveals how much the religious leaders and Pharisees added to the Old Testament law. They had their own legalistic standards by which they judged others. They did not know about the grace of God that was made known in the Old Testament and emphasized in the New Testament. REFLECT How do you decide if a person is a child of God? Do you insist on various rules your culture has added to what the Bible says? Or do you look for the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23? RESPOND To see the grace of God revealed in the Old Testament, read Romans 4:6-8 about David—who lived during the time of the law—and Romans 4:20-22 about Abraham—who lived before the time of the law.

More Important READ Matthew 23:19-22 19 “How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 When you swear ‘by the altar,’ you are swearing by it and by everything on it. 21 And when you swear ‘by the Temple,’ you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it. 22 And when you swear ‘by heaven,’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.” Jesus was not finished scolding the religious leaders and Pharisees. They were making distinctions the Old Testament did not make. They thought they could sound more authoritative if they took an oath based on some religious item. This reveals how insecure they were in their relationship with God. REFLECT Do you sometimes say something like, “I would swear on a stack of Bibles that this is true”? Jesus would not want you to do that. RESPOND Visit with a fellow believer about not taking oaths to make your statements sound stronger as you talk to people. Read James 5:12 in this regard. To Swallow a Camel READ Matthew 23:23-24 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. 24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!” The religious leaders and Pharisees were scrupulous about tiny things but overlooked bigger and more serious things. Jesus called them both “hypocrites” and “blind guides.” They were not responsible spiritual leaders and others should not follow their example. Tithing was an Old Testament principle and referred to in the New Testament only in referring back to the Old. REFLECT What is your attitude about tithing, which is giving 10 percent? What about the other 90 percent? RESPOND Talk with another Christ-follower about the matter of giving by using New Testament guidelines. See what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 about giving. Notice that nothing is said about a particular percent of giving; it was in proportion to what one has. Clean on the Outside Only READ Matthew 23:25-26 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.” Here again Jesus distinguishes the inner person from the outer person. Some who act so spiritual about small things seen by others have corruption in their hearts. Once the inner person is changed this will be reflected in his or her outward expressions. REFLECT How is it with you? Are you as particular with your inner person as in your outward acts? RESPOND Visit with someone about the importance of being careful about what one watches and reads. Consider Proverbs 4:23 and James 1:13-15. Whitewashed Tombs READ Matthew 23:27-28 27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.” When people would come to Jerusalem the grave sites would be whitewashed so no one would accidentally touch one and become unclean. In the sunlight these graves could be glistening white and beautiful. Jesus referred to such a scene as He told the religious leaders and Pharisees that this was what they were like outside and inside. REFLECT Think how serious it is for a person to look handsome or beautiful on the outside, but still be corrupt on the inside. RESPOND Concerning those coming to Jerusalem for their festivals, read Exodus 23:14-17 and 34:23. All males were required to appear before the Lord at these times. This explains so many coming to Jerusalem and in danger of touching a grave on the way. Tombs of the Prophets READ Matthew 23:29-30 29 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed. 30 Then you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would never have joined them in killing the prophets.’” It is typical of people to say they would not be as bad as previous generations had they been living then. Many times the leaders of Israel had been charged with killing prophets during Old Testament times. Stephen did this, as seen in Acts 7:51-53 as he reviewed Israel’s history before the religious leaders. His accusations so outraged them that they killed him. REFLECT Admit that you have the same inherited sin nature as others even if you have not expressed it as they have. Thank the Lord that forgiveness of sin and eternal life is available to anyone who will believe in Jesus. RESPOND Talk with another Christian about the truth that all people have received a sin nature at birth and because of this all die, as Romans 5:12 says. People today may express their sin nature differently than those in the past, but all are potentially guilty of the same acts.

Snakes and Vipers READ Matthew 23:31-33 31 “But in saying that, you testify against yourselves that you are indeed the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Go ahead and finish what your ancestors started. 33 Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?” For those who want only to talk about the gentle, loving Jesus, they should have been in the crowd that day. When He was on earth, Jesus said more about hell than He did heaven. That is why so many questions are unanswered concerning heaven. His concern was to warn others not to go to hell and that is why He talked about it so much. REFLECT Do you understand now why Jesus said more about hell than heaven? RESPOND For those who have trusted in Jesus as Savior, all they need to know is that when they die they go to be with Him. That will be a perfect place. See Jesus’ promises in John 11:25 and 14:1-3. For those who have believing loved ones who have passed away, read Isaiah 57:1-2. Judgment Will Fall READ Matthew 23:34-36 34 “Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. But you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will flog others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city. 35 As a result, you will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time—from the murder of righteous Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you killed in the Temple between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 I tell you the truth, this judgment will fall on this very generation.” Jesus pronounced judgment on the wicked generation who He said would kill some who represented Him. When Jesus referred to murders from Abel to Zechariah, Jesus referred to the entire Hebrew Old Testament in mentioning these two men. 2 Chronicles is the last book of the Old Testament in the Jewish arrangement of their Scriptures. The death of Zechariah is referred to in 2 Chronicles 24:20-21. (This is a different Zechariah than the one whom God used to write the book of Zechariah.) 2 Chronicles refers to Zechariah as being the son of Jehoiada whereas Matthew says Berekiah. Likely the difference is because “son” means descendant and can refer to more than one person. REFLECT Is it sobering to you to realize the persecution and death that can come to Christ-followers? RESPOND Join with a believer in reviewing what is said in Hebrews 11, often referred to as “The Hall of Faith.” The entire chapter is excellent to consider, but especially look at the last few verses, 32-40. Especially pray for those today undergoing persecution for their belief in Jesus. Abandoned and Desolate READ Matthew 23:37-39 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Jesus’ heart was broken over all He had done to provide atonement for Israel as its Messiah, and yet Jerusalem would not repent. To “repent” is to change one’s mind. Unbelievers in Israel needed to change their mind about themselves and about Jesus who was the Son of God and Savior of the world. In their change of mind they needed to believe in Jesus as Savior. REFLECT Think how sad it would be to have Jesus grieve over your lost soul as He did for Jerusalem. Trusting Him as Savior will cause the angels to rejoice, as mentioned in Luke 15:10. RESPOND Jesus referred to the Israelites not seeing Him again until they expressed blessings on Him. He likely was referring to what is recorded in Zechariah 12:10. Completely Demolished READ Matthew 24:1-2 1 As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” The temple compound was composed of an area of about 35 acres. Jesus warned that all the buildings would someday be torn down. This occurred in A.D. 70 when the Romans attacked and destroyed Jerusalem. REFLECT How sobering it must have been for the Jewish followers of Jesus to hear that someday their most holy places would be destroyed. RESPOND The temple with its holy place and the holy of holies area was greatly revered by the Jewish people. Today, however, the temple of God is found in the bodies of believers. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. How should this affect your life as a believer? Questions About the End READ Matthew 24:3 3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Because Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives as He presented what is recorded in chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew’s Gospel, these chapters are commonly referred to as the “Olivet Discourse.” There His disciples asked Him specific questions. These chapters in Matthew do not include the Church, of which believers in Jesus are part of today. The expression “end of the world” is actually the “end of the age.” More will be said about this as these chapters are studied. REFLECT Is there some friend you know who would be interested in studying Matthew 24-25 with you? RESPOND At the time Jesus was talking about these matters on the Mount of Olives, the disciples would not have known much about the Church age, which Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18. At that time they were mostly expecting the Messiah to overthrow the Roman empire and set up His own kingdom.

Threats of Wars READ Matthew 24:4-6 4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Jesus warned that many would come claiming to be the Messiah. He also indicated a troubled world because of wars and threats of wars. He also referred to “the end” eventually occurring. One wonders, the end of what? Reading on in the chapter will reveal the end to which He was referring. REFLECT For those who claimed to be the Messiah in the past, you could remind people that only the grave of the Lord Jesus Christ is empty. RESPOND The miracles Jesus did and the fact He rose from the dead on the third day after His death prove He was the true Messiah. For a summary of what the true Gospel is, see 1 Corinthians 15:1-9 and notice the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. Beginning of the End READ Matthew 24:7-8 7 “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” In referring to these troubles of being “the first of the birth pains,” Jesus was referring to a time period prophesied in the past to take place in the future after Church-age believers are caught up from the earth. This means these troubles are only preliminary to a later time. Nations and kingdoms raging against each other now are mild in comparison to what will eventually occur. REFLECT Think how terrible it will eventually be if what is seen today is not nearly as bad as what is to come. RESPOND Join with a friend in thinking about these passages. Read Mark 13:7-8 for a parallel passage to this one in Matthew. The Gospel writers were using Jesus’ remarks to warn others of more serious trouble to come. Rampant Sin READ Matthew 24:9-14 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” When Jesus referred to troubles and “more to come” in Matthew 24:8, He was referring to the future when many of His followers would be persecuted and killed. During this more terrible time in the future the “love of many will grow cold.” In the Greek text the definite article, “the,” appears before “many” making it read “the many.” Usually this is a specific reference to Israel. Those “who endure to the end” is not a reference to salvation but to those who will survive the awful time of Tribulation to come. The Good News being preached throughout the entire world will likely be done by the 144,000 who will be saved and sealed, as mentioned in Revelation 7:4-8. REFLECT No matter how difficult things may seem now, be thankful it is not nearly as bad as it will be during the future Tribulation. RESPOND Talk with a friend about how sad it is when the love for Jesus turns cold in the hearts of some. Talk about what you can do to keep your hearts from growing cold toward Him. Consider the importance of being engaged in the Bible at least four times a week, and sharing your faith with others. Time to Flee READ Matthew 24:15-18 15 “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) 16 “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 17 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 18 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat.” This passage reveals the time Jesus is describing in Matthew 24 and 25. It is a time referred to by the prophet Daniel. See Daniel 9:24-27. Especially notice what verse 27 says about the person commonly known as the Antichrist. In the middle of the seven-year period of the Tribulation, he will sit himself in the temple and demand to be worshiped as God. Intense persecution will come so quickly there will be little time for people to escape. REFLECT Some today must leave their homes quickly because of the danger of fire or storms. Think about how bad it will be in the future for these people to whom Jesus referred. RESPOND Join with a friend in reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 that tells what the Antichrist will do. He is also known as “the man of lawlessness” and “man of sin.” His desecrating of the temple will be the time of “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel. Time of Calamity READ Matthew 24:19-22 19 “How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 20 And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. 22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” Daniel’s prophecy indicates the entire Tribulation will be a period of seven years with the last three and a half being worse than the first three and a half. The awful time of the seven-year Tribulation will be so terrible that it will never be surpassed again. The number of days predicted will not be fewer. REFLECT Be thankful that if your faith is in Jesus as your Savior you will be caught up from the earth before the seven years of Tribulation begin. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 for this event. RESPOND The last three and a half years of the Tribulation are likely the ones referred to when they are called “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” in Jeremiah 30:7. Check various translations to see how this verse is rendered.

False Messiahs READ Matthew 24:23-25 23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.” Jesus warns what it will be like in the future. False messiahs and false prophets will do signs and wonders. These will seem supernatural and will deceive even true believers. Jesus wanted the nation to be aware of this ahead of time. REFLECT Do you realize that not everything that seems supernatural is of God? RESPOND Talk with a friend about distinguishing the spirits. See Deuteronomy 13:1-3 to see one should go by the message, not the appearance of something. See also 1 Timothy 4:1-2 about testing the spirits. Second Advent READ Matthew 24:26-28 26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.” Jesus tells what it will be like before He returns to the earth. This will be His Second Advent. The first was when He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. At the catching up of believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Jesus does not come to the earth. Although a specific time of His return to earth is not mentioned in this passage in Matthew 24, the signs of His return being close are given. His return to earth will be at the end of the seven years of Tribulation. REFLECT Although signs are given for Jesus’ return to earth, there are no signs given for the catching up of believers before that time. This could occur at any time. RESPOND Talk with another believer about how thankful you can be because you will not have to experience the awful Tribulation period. Talk also about the need to live as if Jesus could return for you at any time and take you to heaven to be with Himself. Shaken READ Matthew 24:29 29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” This is what it will be like when Jesus returns to the earth. Joel 2:30-32 also tells of this time. In Acts 2, Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost referred to Joel’s prophecy, but this part of Joel’s prophecy will not be fulfilled until Jesus returns to earth. These changes in the heavenly bodies are beyond comprehension now. REFLECT Looking at the sky now makes one wonder what it will be like when this passage of Scripture is fulfilled. You may want explanations, but as the late Warren Wiersbe said, “Christians do not live by explanations but by promises.” RESPOND Talk with a friend about the questions you have. Resolve together to search the Scriptures for what answers you can find, and what promises you can rest on. Coming on the Clouds READ Matthew 24:30-31 30 “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” When believers are caught up to heaven before the Tribulation it is not mentioned whether all eyes will see Jesus. At His Second Advent to earth, however, every eye will see Him. That will be a time of mourning for unbelievers when they see Jesus return to earth. The believers living at that time—the ones who have endured to the end of the Tribulation—will be gathered from all over the world. REFLECT Think of how differently believers and unbelievers respond to seeing Jesus return as King of kings and Lord of lords. RESPOND Some think the blast of the trumpet in Matthew 24:31 is the same as the trumpet of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Reading the surrounding verses reveals a difference. When believers are caught up to heaven to be with Jesus in 1 Thessalonians 4, Jesus does not come to the earth. In Matthew 24, He does come to earth as is also seen in Revelation 19:11-16. Never Disappear READ Matthew 24:32-35 32 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Jesus tells how the fig tree can indicate summer is near. By paying attention to the signs He has mentioned will alert people that His coming to earth is near. There is a difference of opinion about what “this generation” refers to. Some think it has to do with physical ages of a generation at a time. Others know the word translated “generation” also has the meaning of “nation.” Jesus was talking to Jewish people and they may have thought these events would destroy their nation. It was as if Jesus reminded them of the Old Testament covenants promising the nation would not pass away. REFLECT Consider how confident believers can be in the promises of Jesus. His “words will never disappear.” RESPOND Visit with a friend about the Old Testament promises to the descendants of Abraham. See Genesis 17:6-8; 18-20 and notice how long that promise will last.

The Father Knows READ Matthew 24:36 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” Although no one will know the day or hour when Jesus will return to the earth, people could know when it is getting close. The Antichrist will sit in the Temple himself and demand to be worshiped. That will begin the last three and a half years of the Tribulation. At the end of that time, Jesus will return to earth. REFLECT Church-age believers will be caught up to heaven before the Tribulation begins. There are no prophecies that must be fulfilled before that time. That could take place at any time. What if it is today? Are you ready? RESPOND Perhaps you and a friend have looked at some passages before, but it may be good to look at them again. Consider 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 that tells about believers being caught up to meet Jesus in the air. Read also Revelation 19:11-16 and Zechariah 14:1-5 that tell of Jesus coming to the earth. Like the Days of Noah READ Matthew 24:37-39 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” These verses must be kept in mind as some verses later have been interpreted with different viewpoints. The context of verses is important to keep in mind. Genesis 6 tells the story of Noah and what it was like at that time. People didn’t realize what would take place until they were swept away in the flood. The same will be true of people when He returns to earth. REFLECT Think how terrible it will be for the people in the Tribulation not to be expecting the Lord’s return and have hardened hearts against anything spiritual. RESPOND To see how people will reject God even in the midst of judgment, read Revelation 6:14-16. Pray for people today not to have hardened hearts but to trust in Jesus as Savior. One Will Be Taken READ Matthew 24:40-41 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” This is the passage where interpreters disagree. Because of the reference to one being taken and the other being left, some believe this refers to the rapture of the Church when believers are caught up to meet Jesus in the air. Believers will be taken up to heaven at that time and unbelievers will be left on earth to enter the Tribulation. The context of Matthew 24, however, refers to those taken in judgment, as in Noah’s time, and the ones left to enter the safety of the Ark. This indicates Matthew 24 refers to the end of the Tribulation when unbelievers will be taken in judgment and believers are left on earth to enter the 1000-year kingdom. REFLECT Do you see how important it is to take the context of a verse into consideration? RESPOND Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 to see what the apostle Paul wrote about the judgment brought on unbelievers when He comes to earth. Their final destiny, however, is seen in Revelation 20:11-15 when all unbelievers will be thrown into the lake of fire. Ready All the Time READ Matthew 24:42-44 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Jesus continued to urge people to be alert to the possibility of His coming. He expressed that with a story about a homeowner and how he would watch for burglar if he knew when one was coming. Jesus warned them that He would come when least expected. REFLECT Think how often Jesus warned that He might come when people least expect Him do. This could be true of both the catching up of believers to meet Him in the air before the Tribulation and His coming to earth at the end of the Tribulation. RESPOND Even though we should be expecting Jesus to come at any time, we should keep busy for Him until He does. Jesus referred to this in the following verses. Masters and Servants READ Matthew 24:45-47 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.” Jesus gives no comfort for the lazy person. He wants believers to be responsible citizens of earth even though their most important citizenship is in heaven. The person who takes responsibility seriously is usually rewarded with more responsibility. REFLECT Those who are unable to work should be taken care of by others, especially those in a local church. Those able to work, however, should not be supported if they are able to provide for themselves. RESPOND Even in New Testament times there were instructions about those able to work but not doing so. See 2 Thessalonians 3:9-11 in this regard. Talk with a fellow believer about this matter and how it should relate to your local church.

Unprepared Servant READ Matthew 24:48-51 48 “But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus told what it would be like for those not expecting His return. Those not ready would be assigned to a place with hypocrites. Jesus also referred to that place where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is an expression used elsewhere in the New Testament. REFLECT Think of how terrible it will be not to be ready for the Lord’s return. One becomes ready by trusting in Him as Savior. RESPOND With a friend examine verses that mention the “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” It appears six times in Matthew (8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; and 25:30). It is mentioned once in Luke (13:28). It will also be helpful to read the verses leading up to or surrounding these verses. Ten Bridesmaids READ Matthew 25:1-5 1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Jesus continued to emphasize the importance of being ready when He returns. He told the story of some being ready and others who were not. The occasion was a wedding and the group was waiting for the groom to return for the marriage feast to occur. When it became late they were tired from waiting and fell asleep. REFLECT Have you been at a wedding when you had to wait a long time for a reception to begin? What was that like for you? RESPOND Although the story includes several elements as it develops, remember that a parable, as with an illustration, is primarily making only one key point with perhaps some minor points. In this story it is that some were ready for Jesus’ return and some were not. The Bridegroom Is Coming READ Matthew 25:6-8 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’” Those not ready to meet the bridegroom asked for help from those who were prepared. The unprepared ones were desperate at this point to immediately get ready. The five wise bridesmaids had extra oil. What would they answer these who knew the bridegroom would return but were unprepared? REFLECT Imagine what you would do if Jesus was about to return and others asked you to help them get ready. What if there was not enough time for you to do anything to help them? RESPOND Although the Tribulation period is the focus of Matthew 25, talk with a fellow believer about helping others be ready to be caught up to heaven before the Tribulation begins. For those who want to put off making a decision, you could remind them of 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. Storms or an accident may not give enough time to decide to trust in Jesus. Hebrews 9:27 tells us there will be no second chance after death. Left Outside READ Matthew 25:9-11 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’” The wise bridesmaids who had brought extra oil explained they did not have enough for everyone. They told the others to go to a shop and buy some. The five unwise ones left to buy some oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom came and the wise ones who were ready were admitted to the marriage feast. The five unwise ones begged to be admitted. What would the bridegroom say? REFLECT Two of the saddest words are “too late.” Pray that your family and loved ones will trust in Jesus as Savior before it is too late. RESPOND This story tells about those who will be ready when Jesus returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation and others who will not be ready. The only way they can be ready is the same way others can be ready during the Church age for being caught up to heaven. It is by trusting in Jesus as Savior. No one is worthy. Romans 5:6-8 reveals Christ died for us when we were still sinners. I Don't Know You READ Matthew 25:12-13 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” This is Jesus’ answer to those who were not ready for His return. He says He does not know them, indicating they had never trusted in Him as Savior. Verse 12 serves as the major point for this story. Some were prepared for His return and some were not. REFLECT Think of this story as revealing Jesus is the bridegroom and at the end of the Tribulation some will be prepared for His return and some will not be. RESPOND Visit with a fellow believer about the present age portraying Jesus as the bridegroom and the Church—all who have believed in Him as Savior—as the bride. See Revelation 19:6-8 in this regard.

A Long Trip READ Matthew 25:14-15 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.” Jesus had told a story about the need to watch for the master’s return. No doubt this story referred to people occupying their time and using their resources while He was gone from the earth. Those who trust in Him are to be involved “in proportion to their abilities.” Some translations of this passage use the word “talent” instead of “bag of silver.” Talent in those days had to do with money but it could be applied to all of life. Those who know and love the Lord should use all they have available to honor Him. REFLECT Perhaps the Lord has not provided material gains for you to invest, but you can invest your life in others. RESPOND Talk with a fellow Christian about this. Acknowledge that a “tithe” is not mentioned in the New Testament. A believer is to give in proportion to the way he or she has been blessed. See 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 for the apostle Paul’s instructions about giving. See also 2 Corinthians 8:12 for a principle to follow in giving. Investment Strategies READ Matthew 25:16-18 16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.” This portion of the story reveals what each person did with his money. Increase was gained by those who invested what they had. The story focuses most on the servant who hid what he had rather than doing anything with it. What will the Lord say about these different actions of the servants? REFLECT Consider what the Lord has blessed you with such as: health, friends, finances, and technology to communicate with others. Are you using what’s available to you to tell others the Gospel and encourage them spiritually? RESPOND Talk with a friend from your local church. Discuss how each of you can better use what God has provided you to encourage others in their Christian life. Think about what Hebrews 10:25 says. Are you doing this? Talk not only about the impact you can have locally but also about what you can do through others who minister where you cannot. Called to Account READ Matthew 25:19-20 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’” This passage tells of the master’s return and the servants giving account for what they did with what he had given them. This pictures people giving account to God in the future. Here some of the servants told what they had done with the money given to them. REFLECT Have you considered what it will be like when each person gives account to God? Have you also considered that no matter how spiritual others in your family are, you will stand alone before Him? What do you expect? RESPOND Consider passages in the Bible that tell about giving account to God. Believers will give account in a manner seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-10. Unbelievers will stand before God at the Great White Throne judgment mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15. Good and Faithful Servant READ Matthew 25:21-23 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” Jesus’ story reveals how the master commends the servants who did well by investing what had been given to them. Notice that being responsible for a smaller task allows one to be entrusted with larger ones. With those who did well the master said, “Let’s celebrate together.” REFLECT As you seek to honor Jesus in your life, are you faithful in small responsibilities? If not, do you think He will entrust you with larger ones? RESPOND Talk with another Christian about the importance of being faithful; that is, you can be trusted to carry out responsibilities. In this regard, see 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. See also Galatians 5:22-23 and notice that faithfulness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Hidden Away READ Matthew 25:24-25 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’” Then the servant who had done so little with what was entrusted to him used critical language as he described his master. The servant seemed pleased that he did not lose the money and instead hid it in a hole in the ground. Could he have possibly thought the master would be pleased with what he had done? The master’s (Jesus’) reply will follow. REFLECT As one considers serving Jesus, is it thought that He would be pleased if what He has entrusted to the believer is not used? RESPOND Visit with a fellow believer about four passages in the Bible that tell of the gifts given to believers. These passages can be remembered by two 12s and two 4s. They are Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. The others are Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Wicked and Lazy Servant READ Matthew 25:26-27 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’” This was the master’s answer to the servant who hid his money in a hole in the ground rather than doing something with it to gain increase or at least to make use of it. This causes believers today to wonder if they are using their money in the best way to honor the Lord. They should use, not abuse, what the Lord has entrusted to them. REFLECT Regardless of the amount of material wealth you have, are you using it to please Jesus? RESPOND Visit with a friend about the possibilities of using one’s means profitably. Consider especially supporting those who are doing the Lord’s work in spreading the gospel to others. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21. This is the greatest return on investment. More Will Be Given READ Matthew 25:28-30 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” What little the unprofitable servant had was taken from him and given to those who had some increase for their investments. The attitude of this servant and lack of concern for living like he showed revealed he was not really one of the master’s true servants. This leads to the view of unbelievers being separated from believers when Jesus returns to earth. REFLECT Consider your life. Do your actions indicate you are a follower of Jesus? RESPOND Join with another believer and consider a comment sometimes made: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Some say they are believers, but what kind of fruit do their lives produce? See what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 7:15-17. Sheep and Goats READ Matthew 25:31-33 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” Jesus turned the story from a “master” to Himself. When He returns to earth all nations will be gathered before Him. The groups referred to are the same as in Matthew 28:19 where it is translated “all the nations.” When He returns to earth, He will separate believers (sheep) from unbelievers (goats). REFLECT You may live in a nation that is largely Christian, but there are a lot more out there still largely ignorant of the Gospel. All of them need to be reached for Jesus. RESPOND Regardless of where you live, visit with a fellow believer to talk about reaching other nations with the Gospel. Notice what Romans 10:14-15 says. This passage emphasizes the need to be responsible in helping and sending others to reach the lost. Inherit the Kingdom READ Matthew 25:34-36 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’” When He returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will invite believers into His kingdom. Their actions prove they are His followers. Their actions also reveal that Jesus believes our helping others to be actions that are helping Him. He is not physically present but He lives through believers who are His hands and feet. REFLECT Consider that what you are doing as a believer in Jesus is showing others what Jesus would do for them. RESPOND Talk with a friend about what you are doing to serve others. Has it dawned on both of you that you are doing those things for Jesus? The Least of These READ Matthew 25:37-40 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Although the statement “the least of these” has been applied to many situations, it most likely refers to Jewish people in this context. The “brothers and sisters” literally reads “the brothers of me” in the Greek text. People were surprised that their helping others was really helping Jesus. REFLECT Have you ever considered that your helping others was really helping Jesus. RESPOND As you read the New Testament, do notice that some translations use red letters indicating the words of Jesus? Some think these words are more important than other words. But all of Scripture is inspired by God and is equally important as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.