Sunday School Lesson May 8, 2022
Subject: Watch for Christ’s Return
The Point: When Christ returns, everyone will know it.
The Passages: Matthew 24:23-31
Study The Bible: Matthew 24:23-25
1). Guard again deception by false messiahs.
- “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it.
- For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- Take note: I have told you in advance.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:23-25
* In the last days, many false prophets and messiahs will arise to teach false ideas.
* The false prophets and messiahs will never deceive God’s chosen ones.
* We have Jesus’ own words to encourage us when we face troubling times.
2). Creation itself will announce the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:26-29
- So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storeroom! do not believe it.
- For as he lighting comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
- Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.
- “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.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:26-29
* We should trust God’s Word rather than the words of any false teacher.
* Jesus’ second coming will be obvious to everyone on earth.
* Jesus’ second coming will be accompanied by great signs and wonders in the heavens.
3). The return of Christ will be unmistakable and obvious.
Matthew 24:30-31
- Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the people of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
- 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.
Lasting truth from: Matthew 24:30-31
* Jesus’ second coming will be obvious to all.
* Those who reject Jesus will mourn the day of His coming.
* Jesus will gather all believers on the day of His return.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Jesus warned us to be on guard against false messiahs. How do Jesus’ own words help us identify and resist such deception?
- Reflect on Matthew 24:27. Ponder the significance of Jesus’ analogy as you look outside during a lightning storm or view one online.
- What are some intentional steps believers can take to live faithfully for Jesus in light of His second coming? What specific action step can you take this week?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”