CONNECT: What is one area of worry (or tendency to worry) in your life? How can Jesus’ teaching in these verses help alleviate you of worry?

WARM-UP  Question

1. How do you go when you’re waiting for something that’s really important to you?

READ Luke 12:35-40 (Waiting Expectantly)

1. What did it look like for the servants to be ‘ready’ and ‘waiting’ for their master to return? What would have taken to be so ready that they could immediately open the door even after a single knock?
2. Can you think of an example in your life in which you have had to be that ready? What did it involve?
3. What does the master do when he finds the servants ready? Why is this so radical and good?
4. How does it make you feel to think about how delighted Jesus would be if he finds us ready upon his return? Why do you think this is such an exciting proposition?
5. What is the point of the second story regarding the potential burglary? If we know that Jesus will return at any moment, what helps you be more aware of that reality? What hinders your awareness?
6. For Christians, what is the main implication that Jesus’ return is certain but the time is unknown? For Not-Yet-Christians, what is the main implication that Jesus’ return is certain but the time is unknown?

READ Luke 12:41-48 (Working Faithfully)

1. What question does Peter ask? Why do you think he was so keen to know? What is the ‘short’ answer?
2. According to the parable, what makes for a faithful and wise manager? How might this apply to people who have a leadership or teaching role in the church today? How does this apply to everyone else?
3. What do you think it would like for you - tomorrow - to be living in a manner like the Lord Jesus could arrive at absolutely any moment?
4. What are the three different scenarios with regard to (a) knowledge of God’s will, and (b) people’s behaviour? Why do all of those scenarios deserve punishment?
5. If our faithfulness will be judged, how can we be confident therefore of our salvation?
6. Read the last sentence of verse 48 again. What opportunity and responsibility has God given you?

APPLY: What is one practical way to grow your daily expectancy of Jesus’ return?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: What weekly routines provide space for you to intentionally connect with your family, friends or co-workers? Is there something now you could refocus?

Audio and Video 

• AUDIO: “A Call to Readiness, Part I” by Alistair Begg
• AUDIO: “A Call to Readiness, Part II” by Alistair Begg
• AUDIO: “Less comfortable than we think” by Lee Gatiss
• AUDIO: “Am I Ready?”
  AUDIO: “A I Faithful?”

Books and Articles

• PRAYER: “A Prayer of Longing for Jesus’ Return” by Scott Smith

Other Helpful Resources (For Series)

• 13-Week Series on Luke by Gary Millar (QTC):
• ARTICLE: “The 6Ms - Uncovering Fruitfulness Where You Are”
• BOOK: Overview of Luke by the Bible Project
• BOOK: “Luke (Read, Mark, Learn Series)”
  

‍