Teaching resource for Lifeway’s Explore the Bible lesson for May 10

Ideas and questions to help group members and leaders study and teach Matthew 24:36–51 for May 10:

First, use this icebreaker idea.   

1. Divide the group into pairs.
2. Ask this question: Has your home, place of business or vehicle ever been broken into? Did the thief notify you that he was planning to break in? If you had known, was there any way to have been better prepared?

Matthew 24:1–3

1. As Jesus was leaving the temple, what did he predict? It would be torn down.  
2. When the disciples asked about when the destruction of the temple would happen, why did they also ask “what will the sign of your coming at the end of the age?” To the Jews, the destruction of their temple was synonymous with the return of Jesus and the end of the age. They also saw history as divided between the present age and the age to come.    

  Matthew 24:4–35

1. Which parts of the Olivet discourse refer to the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. and which refer to the second coming of Jesus? The parts are like threads that are interwoven, not always easily distinguishable.  Since these verses are not included in our lesson for this week, we will not attempt to get into a lengthy interpretation of these verses. In 24:36ff, which are the focus for our lesson, Jesus emphasized the need to be ready and not be so concerned with date setting.

 Matthew 24:36–41

1. Is Jesus here referring to the temple destruction or his second coming in these verses?  His second coming.
2. What can we learn about the trinity in 12:36?  In at least one matter, the Father alone knows while not sharing that with the Son. We are reminded that the doctrine of the trinity is indeed a difficult doctrine to understand.
3. To what Old Testament event did Jesus compare his second coming? Noah and the great flood.
4. What were the people doing before the flood? Just living life as usual giving no consideration to what was about to happen.
5. What two things did the flood and the future coming of Jesus have in common? Both are acts of judgment.
6. How do we interpret the parable of the two men and women working? Hendrikson says that the one man and woman are gathered by the angels to be with the Lord forever, and the other two are left behind assigned to everlasting perdition. Practical application: Do you have a co-worker or neighbor or friend that will not be ready for the Lord’s return. Do you have a responsibility to do all you can to help them to be ready?   

Matthew 24:42–44

1. Why did Jesus tell them to be alert? This is actually the point of Matthew 24-25. Jesus actually gave the reason for being alert by saying that they did not know what day the Lord was coming.   
2. Why does a thief never notify the homeowner before he breaks in? So the homeowner will be unprepared.
3. Why does God the Father not want us to know when his Son is returning? So we will be prepared at all times.

Matthew 24:45–51

1. What was the difference between the two servants in the parable in 24:45-51? One was faithful and carried out the duties assigned to him while his master was away. The other servant behaved very badly, mistreating the other slaves, and over indulging in food and drink.   
2. Why did the wicked slave behave badly and what is the lesson for us today? He misinterpreted the delay in the master’s return and thought he had plenty of time to get his act together before he returned. Because the consequences of behaving badly are sometimes delayed, people often think they got away with something and continue to behave badly, thinking they can continue to get away with it. The lesson is that a delay in judgment doesn’t mean it is not coming.   
3. What do we learn about the fate of the wicked servant is this short parable and also the fate of those who behave badly while the master is away? There is a place of punishment, and it will be horrific.