Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 24:1-51
Has anyone ever had to sit you down and tell you a truth you didn’t want to hear? That’s what Jesus is doing here with his disciples, both the 12 and us. Many of us would much rather this chapter not even show up in the Bible. Jesus doesn’t waste his breath. Listen.
Monday, November 11
Read Matthew 24:1-35. Jesus speaks of a future judgment. What period of history is he speaking of? Did those things already occur? Are they happening now? Are they coming in the future? Could it be all of the above?
Tuesday, November 12
Read Matthew 24:36-51. How can Jesus not know what the Father knows? Isn’t Jesus also God? What point is Jesus making in verse 41? How has this verse been misinterpreted by many? What should we do while we wait?
Wednesday, November 13
After reviewing Matthew 24, read Romans 8:1-25. Why is the creation so anxious for the “sons of God” to be revealed? What kind of hope should every Christian have? What does that look like?
Thursday, November 14
After reviewing Matthew 24, read Daniel 11. Daniel provides an extended prophecy of things to come. He includes details about the “abomination that makes desolate” in the temple. What was that? What does Jesus mean when he talks about the same thing?
Friday, November 15
After reviewing Matthew 24, read Revelation 1:1-8. In verse 7, John records a vision that breaks into the opening passages of Revelation. What does it describe? Why is it appropriate for that passage to show up at the beginning of the book?
Saturday, November 16
After reviewing Matthew 24, read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Does a passage like this scare you or encourage you? Paul closes these verses by encouraging the Thessalonian Christians to encourage each other! Do we even talk about the end with each other? If not, how can we encourage each other in anticipation of Jesus’ coming?
Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com