Session 3: Watch for Christ’s Return
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly in a crowd?
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. 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. While we won’t be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. I didn’t 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 will not be secret or hidden. It will be visible to all. Christ taught us to be aware 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. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (see Matthew 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.
Jesus warned of both “false messiahs” and “false prophets.” What’s the difference? False messiahs are those who claim to be the Christ—the anointed one from God. False prophets are those who claim to have truth revealed to them by God. These false messiahs and prophets are convincingly deceptive because they supposedly back up their claims by performing “great signs and wonders to lead astray.” This means that 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 same miracles Moses and Aaron performed (see Exodus 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People wouldn’t 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 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord (see John 10:27-29).
Question 2:
What practical steps can we take to guard against false teachings or spiritual deception?
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” While believers aren’t 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 won’t fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
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.
Christ continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I’m 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.”
If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom or has a fresh new revelation from God, always refuse to give him a hearing. The Messiah isn’t found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. 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 is happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it! Jesus’ return will be sudden and visible.
Question 3:
What are some ways creation announces truths about God today?
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 or vultures waiting for us to pass so they could resume devouring the carcass. 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 even as vultures are drawn to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. His return will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies—or at least manipulations of their appearance. These signs in the sky will be such that all people of earth 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 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 (see Isaiah 13:10; 24:23; Ezekiel 32:7-8).
These images and prophecies contain an unspoken lesson for us: We must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ. Follow Him now—and keep your eyes on Him.
Engage
NATURE DECLARES
Nature is already declaring truths about Christ. As the seasons change, we can be reminded of different aspects of Christ and our salvation. In your journal, write or draw something to show how Christ is declared throughout the changing seasons.
Spring
Summer
Winter
Fall
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.
The disciples must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. One day He will return in glory and splendor, and His greatness and glory will be overwhelming to all. His righteous character will be so piercing that “all the peoples on the earth will mourn.”
We receive comfort when we rightly mourn. It’s wise for us to see and acknowledge our sin so we can grieve over it. Mourning leads us to repentance and confession, and if we mourn over our sin now, we won’t need to be among those who mourn when Christ returns.
Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement (see Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1), 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.
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. When Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His. With that power comes His glory. God’s glory is essentially the total manifestation of all His perfection.
Question 4:
What does the description of Jesus’ return in these verses teach us?
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Jesus will use the angels as “harvesters” of the faithful. Trumpets were commonly used to herald the coming of the king with great acclamation, and the return of Jesus—the King of kings—will be announced “with a loud trumpet.” Paul also referred to the blast of a trumpet to gather God’s people at the return of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
We don’t know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, everyone will know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. Christ has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
How does Jesus’ imminent return give you hope or strengthen your faith?
LIVE IT OUT
Jesus’ second coming won’t be like His first. There will be no mistaking or misunderstanding what this event is. Consider the follow actions to make sure you’re ready.
Memorize the Word. Choose a verse of Scripture to memorize. Knowing God’s Word helps us recognize the deception of others. Consider starting with John 14:3, 1 Corinthians 15:52, or Revelation 1:8, and then memorizing a new verse each week.
Worship the Lord. Revelation 14:7 says, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.” Create a new playlist of songs that focus on His power and glory. Take time now to honor His perfect character with the expectation of worshipping Him forever.
Make adjustments. Ask yourself, If Christ returned today, would I be ready? If the answer is no, you probably know the adjustments you need to make. How can you live each day with a conscious awareness of His return?
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. While we won’t be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 95). Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly in a crowd?
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. 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. While we won’t be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. I didn’t 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 will not be secret or hidden. It will be visible to all. Christ taught us to be aware 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. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (see Matthew 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.
Jesus warned of both “false messiahs” and “false prophets.” What’s the difference? False messiahs are those who claim to be the Christ—the anointed one from God. False prophets are those who claim to have truth revealed to them by God. These false messiahs and prophets are convincingly deceptive because they supposedly back up their claims by performing “great signs and wonders to lead astray.” This means that 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 same miracles Moses and Aaron performed (see Exodus 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People wouldn’t 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 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord (see John 10:27-29).
Question 2:
What practical steps can we take to guard against false teachings or spiritual deception?
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” While believers aren’t 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 won’t fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
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.
Christ continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I’m 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.”
If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom or has a fresh new revelation from God, always refuse to give him a hearing. The Messiah isn’t found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. 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 is happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it! Jesus’ return will be sudden and visible.
Question 3:
What are some ways creation announces truths about God today?
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 or vultures waiting for us to pass so they could resume devouring the carcass. 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 even as vultures are drawn to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. His return will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies—or at least manipulations of their appearance. These signs in the sky will be such that all people of earth 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 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 (see Isaiah 13:10; 24:23; Ezekiel 32:7-8).
These images and prophecies contain an unspoken lesson for us: We must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ. Follow Him now—and keep your eyes on Him.
Engage
NATURE DECLARES
Nature is already declaring truths about Christ. As the seasons change, we can be reminded of different aspects of Christ and our salvation. In your journal, write or draw something to show how Christ is declared throughout the changing seasons.
Spring
Summer
Winter
Fall
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.
The disciples must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. One day He will return in glory and splendor, and His greatness and glory will be overwhelming to all. His righteous character will be so piercing that “all the peoples on the earth will mourn.”
We receive comfort when we rightly mourn. It’s wise for us to see and acknowledge our sin so we can grieve over it. Mourning leads us to repentance and confession, and if we mourn over our sin now, we won’t need to be among those who mourn when Christ returns.
Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement (see Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1), 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.
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. When Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His. With that power comes His glory. God’s glory is essentially the total manifestation of all His perfection.
Question 4:
What does the description of Jesus’ return in these verses teach us?
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Jesus will use the angels as “harvesters” of the faithful. Trumpets were commonly used to herald the coming of the king with great acclamation, and the return of Jesus—the King of kings—will be announced “with a loud trumpet.” Paul also referred to the blast of a trumpet to gather God’s people at the return of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
We don’t know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, everyone will know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. Christ has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
How does Jesus’ imminent return give you hope or strengthen your faith?
LIVE IT OUT
Jesus’ second coming won’t be like His first. There will be no mistaking or misunderstanding what this event is. Consider the follow actions to make sure you’re ready.
Memorize the Word. Choose a verse of Scripture to memorize. Knowing God’s Word helps us recognize the deception of others. Consider starting with John 14:3, 1 Corinthians 15:52, or Revelation 1:8, and then memorizing a new verse each week.
Worship the Lord. Revelation 14:7 says, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.” Create a new playlist of songs that focus on His power and glory. Take time now to honor His perfect character with the expectation of worshipping Him forever.
Make adjustments. Ask yourself, If Christ returned today, would I be ready? If the answer is no, you probably know the adjustments you need to make. How can you live each day with a conscious awareness of His return?
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. While we won’t be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. [Lifeway Adults (2021). (p. 95). Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]