Will He Come Again?

May 18, 2025

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels who appeared to His stunned disciples told them that He would “come back in the same way” they had seen Him leave. The church has often discussed the return of Jesus as something to be feared, but what if His return was finally the answer to our prayer for His “kingdom to come” and His “will to be done on earth as it is in heaven”? Join us for the conclusion of Ascended, where we will consider the nature of Jesus’ return, its timing, and the consequences for the church and the world.

Passage

Matthew 24:4-14; 26-27; 36-51

The ##Timing## of His Return. (Matthew 24:14 & 24:36)
The ##Nature# of His Return. (Matthew 24:26-27)
The ##Consequences## of His Return. (Matthew 24:38-41)

Principle

What we believe about the ##future## will shape how we ##act## in the ##present##.

Practice

Live every day as if Jesus might ##return## ##at## ##any## ##moment##.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

How do you feel about unexpected company at your house? When was the last time you were caught off guard by someone’s arrival? What do you first think about when someone shows up unannounced at your home?

HEAR

Read Matthew 24:36-51

When will Jesus return? Why are we not given a specific date and time?
What does it mean to be prepared for His return?
List all the people who are “taken away” in this passage. Based on that list, who is prepared for Jesus’ return: the people taken away or those left behind? What difference does this make?

Read Matthew 25 in teams of 2-4 people.

Divide into three teams. Team one reads the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Team two reads the parable of The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Team three reads the parable of The Final Judgement (Matthew 25:31-46).
Each team then explains the parable and its connection to Jesus’ return to the whole group.
What similarities exist among all three parables? What makes each parable unique?

Read Matthew 28:16-20

What stands out to you about this passage?
Of Jesus’ many directives, what makes this one particularly meaningful?
How does this command relate to what Jesus said in Matthew 24 about His return? How does it connect to the three parables He told in Matthew 25?

HUDDLE

Who is responsible for fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)? What are you doing personally to fulfill the Great Commission? How is our church helping or hindering you in this task? Discuss, invite accountability, and pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Matthew 24
Day 2: Matthew 25
Day 3: Acts 1:1-11 & Matthew 28:16-20
Day 4: 1 Thessalonians 4
Day 5: 2 Peter 3
Day 6: Revelation 21
Day 7: Revelation 22

Passage to Memorize: Matthew 28:18-20

Think Deeper

How often do you reflect on Jesus’ return, and what feelings does that reflection evoke in you?
Do you believe Jesus will return to evacuate His followers from Earth or to redeem His entire creation?
What would you do today if you knew for certain He was coming back tomorrow?