Sunday School Lesson May 29, 2022

Subject: Stay Prepared and Ready

The Point: Grow in Christ as you wait for His return.

The Passages: Matthew 25:1-13

Study The Bible: Matthew 25:1-5

1). Prepare for Christ’s return.

1. “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom.
2. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
3. When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them;
4. but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps.
5. When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

Lasting truths from: Matthew 25:1-5                            

* Believers will have the opportunity to welcome Jesus when He returns.

* Some people will be ready to welcome Jesus when He comes but others will not.

* Believers should always maintain a state of readiness as they watch for Jesus’ coming.

2). Preparing for Christ’s return is every person’s responsibility.

Matthew 25:6-9

6. “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’
7. “Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
8. The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’
9. “The wise ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. God instead to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourselves.’

Lasting truths from: Matthew 25:6-9

* We need to be ready when Jesus returns.

*  We should encourage others to prepare for Jesus’ return.

*  Some people will not be ready for Christ’s return because they haven’t adequately prepared.

3). The time for our preparation is limited.

Matthew 25:10-13

10. “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.
11. Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’
12. “He replied, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’
13. “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

Lasting truth from: Matthew 25:10-13

* Many people will find themselves unprepared on the day Christ returns.

*  Jesus’ return will end our opportunity to receive His offer of salvation.

* Knowing Jesus will return should motivate us to be faithful followers of Him.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. Reflect on the last trip you took. What did you take along you knew you would need, and what did you bring that you only thought you might need? How does preparing for a journey parallel preparing for Christ’s return?
2. As you personally prepare for Christ’s return, who in your Sunday School class or small group do you sense needs a “spiritual nudge” to strengthen a relationship with Christ? Pray God will use your presence and your witness among your group members.
3. Someone has said, “Too many people spend more time planning their vacations than they spend planning their lives.” How can we invest what years we have left for God’s kingdom?

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.”