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November 30, 2003
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November 30, 2003 - The Lesson for this week is Matthew 11.20-24.
The readings for the First Sunday of Advent, - November 30, 2003 are Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; and Luke 21:25-36.
This study guide is from Luke 21.25-36 and is complementary to our lesson for today.
Open It
What do you think of people who make predictions about the future?
What do you already know about your future?
Explore It
What did the disciples say about the temple that prompted a prophecy from Jesus? (21:5)
How did the disciples respond to Jesus' prediction concerning the temple? (21:7)
What did Jesus say could deceive Christians in the last days? (21:8)
What signs of the end of the age did Jesus tell us to expect? (21:9-13)
Why did Jesus advise His followers not to worry about what will happen to them? (21:14)
What promises did Jesus give to His disciples? (21:18-19)
What will be the result of "standing firm" in the last days? (21:19)
What signs will usher in the end of the age? (21:23-26)
What should be the response of Christians to the many signs of the end? (21:28)
For what purpose did Jesus tell the parable of the fig tree? (21:29-31)
What final advice did Jesus give? (21:34-36)
Get It
How can a Christian avoid being deceived by the events Jesus describes?
Why did Jesus reveal to us these prophecies about the last days?
What distinguishes Jesus' view of the future from the predictions of modern-day seers and astrologers?
Why would the wisdom Jesus provides be so necessary during persecution?
Which of the signs that Jesus detailed do you believe have been fulfilled or are being fulfilled today?
What does this passage teach us about the trustworthiness of Jesus' promises?
Why should we not allow our hearts to be weighed down with the anxieties of life?
Apply It
What Christian can you meet with this week to pray for preparedness for the times to come?
What can you do now to get ready for Christ's return?
Who is one unbeliever you can tell about the saving grace of the gospel? How?
NOTES
Luke 21:7ff
21:7ff Jesus did not leave his disciples unprepared for the difficult years ahead. He warned them about false messiahs, natural disasters, and persecutions; but he assured them that he would be with them to strengthen them and reveal the kingdom through their preaching, teaching, and life. In the end, Jesus promised that he would return in power and glory to save them. Jesus' warnings and promises to his disciples also apply to us as we look forward to his return.
Luke 21:34-36
21:34-36 Jesus told the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return. Although nearly 2,000 years have passed since he spoke these words, their truth remains: Christ is coming again, and we need to watch and be spiritually fit. This means working faithfully at the tasks God has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living, drinking, or the foolish pursuit of pleasure. Don't let life's anxieties overburden you, so that you will be ready to move at God's command.
21:36 Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God's will (Luke 22:41-42). It is abnormal to want to suffer, but as Jesus' followers we are willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God's kingdom. We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: God will always be with us (Matthew 28:20), and he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Rev. 21:1-4).
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November 30, 2003
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