CONNECT:  What is one way in which you can rest in the certainty of King Jesus’ return?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. Have you ever been worried that you might miss something important like a flight or an exam? What did you do to ensure that you were ready?  

READ Matthew 24:29-35

1. What are the two main periods of time that most people think that these verses refer to? 
2. Whilst commentators are sometimes split as to whether these verses refer to Jesus’ death and resurrection, or Jesus’ second coming, how is it all actually instructive about Jesus’ return?
3. What are the various descriptors used here for Jesus’ return? In what way will Jesus’ return be unmissable, unmistakable, and undeniable? 
4. Have you ever been worried that you might miss the return of Jesus? How should these verses give us an immense confidence that it will be impossible to miss his return?
5. How will Jesus’ return be accompanied by an unimaginable contrast of emotions? How do you feel about Jesus’ return? How should we feel?
6. What does Jesus say will and will not last? If that’s the case, in what should we invest our lives?
7. How is it good news that judgment of the entire world is coming? What also comes with it?
8. Do you think it’s ever possible to get caught up investing our lives in things that will not last? What might be the clues or warnings that we are over-investing in things that are temporary? 
9. Can you think of anything that can distract you from investing in what will last?

READ Matthew 24:36-44

1. Have you ever come across someone who has claimed that they know when Jesus is returning? What should be our response to their claims and also to them?
2. How will Jesus’ return be like the days of Noah? In response to the reality that Jesus is returning, how should our priorities look distinctive to the rest of our world?
3. In what way should we recognise that Jesus’ return is both imminent and delayed? How can that both motivate and demotivate us from prioritising living as God desires of us?
4. If Jesus was to return tomorrow, how do you want to found ready?

APPLY: What is one priority in your life this week that is shaped by the coming return of Jesus?

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On Your Frontline This Week:  Do you know a Christian in their 20-30's? Invite them along to our RE/QUIP conference Friday 20 March to Saturday 21 March, exploring how we can follow Jesus through our work, how we serve and what we proclaim.

For Families: During the month of March, St Bart’s Kids is running a PANTRY DRIVE. This is an opportunity to encourage families to bring in pantry items that can be used for morning tea after the 9:30am service. There will be ‘shopping lists’ of appropriate items needed (e.g., Jatz biscuits, popcorn, dips, veggie sticks, etc). We will also have a large box ready outside the hall door, for donations to be put in. Many THANKS to those who have already contributed!

Listen:          

• AUDIO: “Living in the Last Days” by Jeff White
• AUDIO: The Coming of the Son of Man by Sandy Wilson:
• AUDIO: Some series on Chapter 24 and 25 (“The End is Coming) from St Helen’s Bishopsgate:
• Talk 1 // Talk 2 // Talk 3

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):  

• STUDY GUIDE: Download our Study Guide on Matthew
• BOOK: “Matthew: A Great Light Dawns”
• ONLINE: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew (Fuller)
• VIDEO: The Bible Project, Matthew Overview

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