3
Watch for Christ’s Return
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly?
THE POINT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
I have fond memories of summers growing up. I played outside most of the day with neighborhood friends. One place we lived was near a creek beside some woods. My friends and I would be gone for hours playing in that creek.
My mother had a recognizable southern accent. When it was time for dinner, you could hear all the neighborhood mothers out on their porches calling for their kids. No matter how far down the creek I was, I could always hear Mom’s strong, distinctive voice call my name. There was no mistaking her voice or her call to me.
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. It will be obvious! While we will not be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event.
I did not always want to come in from playing when my mother called, but when Jesus returns, I’ll gladly welcome that moment to “go home” and be with Him. In Matthew 24, Jesus told us what that day will be like.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Matthew 24:23-25
23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 Take note: I have told you in advance.”
Matthew gave us a great reminder that the true Messiah’s coming won’t be secret. His coming won’t be seen by only a select group; it will be visible to all. That’s why we should never take seriously someone who says, “ ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ ” Christ taught us to beware of all the claims about His identity and His whereabouts, no matter how compelling they may sound.
Most of us would extend a warning to anyone we see in danger, but we would especially warn those we love and care about. Christ cares deeply for us. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (Matt. 24:22). Now we read that Christ’s care for His people is so deep that He warned them of the danger of being deceived by false religious peddlers. We should always hear the love of God in His warnings.
We should be careful not to automatically attribute all miraculous works to the Lord. It’s possible for something to be both miraculous and evil. This is nothing new. When Moses stood before Pharoah calling for the release of God’s people, Pharoah’s magicians mimicked many of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed (Ex. 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People would not be so easily deceived if Satan came as the cartoonish devil with horns and a pitchfork. Instead, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Question 2:
What are some ways to guard against spiritual deception?
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. They will attempt “to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord.
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And now we see that, while believers are not immune to the attacks of false messiahs, God will protect them from full-fledged apostasy. God’s elect can be tempted and tortured. They may even be put to death, but they will not fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. Peter told us in 1 Peter 1:5 that, “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Matthew 24:26-29
26 “So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather. 29 “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
Jesus continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I am teaching you now, not to anything else you will hear or see. Don’t listen, no matter how fascinating the message and signs may seem to be. Don’t chase after any of these rumors.”
So many tragedies would never have happened if people had taken seriously the truth of this verse. There would have been no Jonestown massacre, Branch Davidians, or Heaven’s Gate. These people died because they listened to Jim Jones, David Koresh, or Marshall Applewhite give their version of “‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’” If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom, always refuse to give him a hearing.
The Messiah is not found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. We don’t have to go somewhere; instead, He will be coming to us, returning in a way that will be obvious and memorable. Christ gave an unmistakable picture: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” When you hear thunder or see lightning in the sky, you don’t usually wonder what it is. That’s what Jesus wanted to make clear. We won’t wonder what’s happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it!
Jesus then added a seemingly out-of-place statement: “‘Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’” Many of us have driven past roadkill, and we’ve seen the buzzards waiting for us to pass so they could resume their meal. It’s not clear exactly what Jesus meant by this illustration, but perhaps it’s simply that people will be drawn to see the return of Christ like vultures to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The return of Christ will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies. These signs in the sky will be such that all people can see them and realize the end is at hand and Christ is returning. If only one of these signs were given, someone might try to explain it away as an eclipse or a meteor shower. But all of them occurring together can only be caused by the hand of God. Old Testament prophets previously had foreseen these signs in connection with God’s final judgment (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Ezek. 32:7-8). These images contain an unspoken lesson for us: we must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ.
Question 3:
How can God’s creation help us share the good news?
Matthew 24:30-31
30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
Just as the disciples’ hearts must have trembled at Jesus’ description of suffering during this period, they also must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. Jesus ended His descriptions of darkness to announce: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.” Jesus had already mentioned several lesser signs that would precede His coming, but His own personal return will be the ultimate sign for humanity to behold.
Jesus used a reference from Daniel 7:13 to describe His return on the clouds: “Suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.” Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement, so Jesus’ declaration that He would be “coming on the clouds of heaven” affirms His divine nature. Whether these clouds are natural or supernatural, Jesus will utilize them to display His divine majesty.
Question 4:
How does Christ’s imminent return impact your life now?
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. Christ came with frail humiliation in the incarnation in Bethlehem. At that time, only a few were aware of the significance of this birth to an unknown couple in an obscure village. But when Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His.
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Christ refers to these messengers as “his angels,” another fact that shows us Christ is God. God’s angels are Jesus’ angels. We don’t know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, we’ll know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. Jesus has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
What do you find comforting or convicting about these verses?
Engage
PERSPECTIVE
Consider what you would do if you knew today that Jesus would return tomorrow.Write out a sample schedule. Then ask God to help you live like you really believe you are living in the last days.
My Schedule:
My Prayer:
“My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
JOHN 10:27-28A
LIVE IT OUT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it. Choose one of the following applications:
Consider. Ask yourself the question with regularity, “If Christ returned today, would I be ready?” If the answer is no, ask God to show you the adjustments you need to make.
Worship. Worship the Lord for His power and glory. Christ will return with power and glory. Revelation 14:7 says, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.” Take time now to honor His perfect character with the expectation of worshiping Him forever.
Share. Think of someone you know who needs to be reminded of Christ’s return. Maybe it’s a believer facing difficult times. Maybe it’s someone you’ve been praying for who’s considering the claims of Christ. When Paul talks about Christ’s return in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, he reminds us to, “encourage one another with these words.”
We all have someone whose voice we’d recognize from a distance and in a crowd. Jesus will make sure we all recognize Him when He returns. Let’s be ready and help others be ready too! [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 97). Bible Studies for Life: Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Watch for Christ’s Return
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly?
THE POINT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
I have fond memories of summers growing up. I played outside most of the day with neighborhood friends. One place we lived was near a creek beside some woods. My friends and I would be gone for hours playing in that creek.
My mother had a recognizable southern accent. When it was time for dinner, you could hear all the neighborhood mothers out on their porches calling for their kids. No matter how far down the creek I was, I could always hear Mom’s strong, distinctive voice call my name. There was no mistaking her voice or her call to me.
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. It will be obvious! While we will not be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event.
I did not always want to come in from playing when my mother called, but when Jesus returns, I’ll gladly welcome that moment to “go home” and be with Him. In Matthew 24, Jesus told us what that day will be like.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Matthew 24:23-25
23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 Take note: I have told you in advance.”
Matthew gave us a great reminder that the true Messiah’s coming won’t be secret. His coming won’t be seen by only a select group; it will be visible to all. That’s why we should never take seriously someone who says, “ ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ ” Christ taught us to beware of all the claims about His identity and His whereabouts, no matter how compelling they may sound.
Most of us would extend a warning to anyone we see in danger, but we would especially warn those we love and care about. Christ cares deeply for us. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (Matt. 24:22). Now we read that Christ’s care for His people is so deep that He warned them of the danger of being deceived by false religious peddlers. We should always hear the love of God in His warnings.
We should be careful not to automatically attribute all miraculous works to the Lord. It’s possible for something to be both miraculous and evil. This is nothing new. When Moses stood before Pharoah calling for the release of God’s people, Pharoah’s magicians mimicked many of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed (Ex. 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People would not be so easily deceived if Satan came as the cartoonish devil with horns and a pitchfork. Instead, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Question 2:
What are some ways to guard against spiritual deception?
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. They will attempt “to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord.
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And now we see that, while believers are not immune to the attacks of false messiahs, God will protect them from full-fledged apostasy. God’s elect can be tempted and tortured. They may even be put to death, but they will not fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. Peter told us in 1 Peter 1:5 that, “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Matthew 24:26-29
26 “So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather. 29 “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
Jesus continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I am teaching you now, not to anything else you will hear or see. Don’t listen, no matter how fascinating the message and signs may seem to be. Don’t chase after any of these rumors.”
So many tragedies would never have happened if people had taken seriously the truth of this verse. There would have been no Jonestown massacre, Branch Davidians, or Heaven’s Gate. These people died because they listened to Jim Jones, David Koresh, or Marshall Applewhite give their version of “‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’” If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom, always refuse to give him a hearing.
The Messiah is not found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. We don’t have to go somewhere; instead, He will be coming to us, returning in a way that will be obvious and memorable. Christ gave an unmistakable picture: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” When you hear thunder or see lightning in the sky, you don’t usually wonder what it is. That’s what Jesus wanted to make clear. We won’t wonder what’s happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it!
Jesus then added a seemingly out-of-place statement: “‘Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’” Many of us have driven past roadkill, and we’ve seen the buzzards waiting for us to pass so they could resume their meal. It’s not clear exactly what Jesus meant by this illustration, but perhaps it’s simply that people will be drawn to see the return of Christ like vultures to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The return of Christ will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies. These signs in the sky will be such that all people can see them and realize the end is at hand and Christ is returning. If only one of these signs were given, someone might try to explain it away as an eclipse or a meteor shower. But all of them occurring together can only be caused by the hand of God. Old Testament prophets previously had foreseen these signs in connection with God’s final judgment (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Ezek. 32:7-8). These images contain an unspoken lesson for us: we must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ.
Question 3:
How can God’s creation help us share the good news?
Matthew 24:30-31
30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
Just as the disciples’ hearts must have trembled at Jesus’ description of suffering during this period, they also must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. Jesus ended His descriptions of darkness to announce: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.” Jesus had already mentioned several lesser signs that would precede His coming, but His own personal return will be the ultimate sign for humanity to behold.
Jesus used a reference from Daniel 7:13 to describe His return on the clouds: “Suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.” Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement, so Jesus’ declaration that He would be “coming on the clouds of heaven” affirms His divine nature. Whether these clouds are natural or supernatural, Jesus will utilize them to display His divine majesty.
Question 4:
How does Christ’s imminent return impact your life now?
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. Christ came with frail humiliation in the incarnation in Bethlehem. At that time, only a few were aware of the significance of this birth to an unknown couple in an obscure village. But when Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His.
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Christ refers to these messengers as “his angels,” another fact that shows us Christ is God. God’s angels are Jesus’ angels. We don’t know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, we’ll know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. Jesus has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
What do you find comforting or convicting about these verses?
Engage
PERSPECTIVE
Consider what you would do if you knew today that Jesus would return tomorrow.Write out a sample schedule. Then ask God to help you live like you really believe you are living in the last days.
My Schedule:
My Prayer:
“My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
JOHN 10:27-28A
LIVE IT OUT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it. Choose one of the following applications:
Consider. Ask yourself the question with regularity, “If Christ returned today, would I be ready?” If the answer is no, ask God to show you the adjustments you need to make.
Worship. Worship the Lord for His power and glory. Christ will return with power and glory. Revelation 14:7 says, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.” Take time now to honor His perfect character with the expectation of worshiping Him forever.
Share. Think of someone you know who needs to be reminded of Christ’s return. Maybe it’s a believer facing difficult times. Maybe it’s someone you’ve been praying for who’s considering the claims of Christ. When Paul talks about Christ’s return in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, he reminds us to, “encourage one another with these words.”
We all have someone whose voice we’d recognize from a distance and in a crowd. Jesus will make sure we all recognize Him when He returns. Let’s be ready and help others be ready too! [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 97). Bible Studies for Life: Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]