6.25.23 Huddle
Opening Discussion
- When you think about the end times, what’s one question, fear, or doubt that you have?
Read and Discuss
Luke 17:20-25 CSB
20 When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; 21 no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
22 Then he told the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. 23 They will say to you, ‘See there!’ or ‘See here!’ Don’t follow or run after them. 24 For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. 25 But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
- What were the Pharisees expecting the kingdom of God would look like?
- What did Jesus mean by the kingdom of God being in their midst?
- How is the kingdom of God in our midst right now?
- Why does Jesus tell the disciples not to follow or run after people claiming Jesus has returned?
- What are some things people say today about Jesus’ return?
Luke 21:5-8, 36
5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “These things that you see—the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down.”
7 “Teacher,” they asked him, “so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”
8 Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.
36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”
- What does Jesus want His disciples to know about the end times?
- Why will people want to deceive others and claim to be Jesus?
- What are some examples you have seen of people predicting end time dates and events?
- Jesus tells the disciples to watch and be alert. What are some ways we can do this?
- Why will the end times be confusing to people?
- What are some ways you can know if someone is telling the truth when it comes to end time prophecy and predictions?
Apply it!
- What is one thing you can do this week to be more informed about Jesus’ teachings and predictions about the end times?
Memorize it!
Luke 21:8- Then he said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.
Prayer TACOS
Thank the Lord for giving us insight into His return.
Adoration- Worship the Lord for allowing the kingdom of God to be in our midst, because of Jesus
Confess to the times when you haven’t taken Christ’s return seriously
Others- Ask the Lord for opportunities to share His love with others before His return. Pray for someone specifically that you could talk to this week.
Self- Ask the Lord for wisdom as you study the difficult subject of the end times.
Closing thoughts
I must admit that when it comes to the end times and the return of Jesus, I have a tendency to just think, “I’ll read it, but I won’t understand it.” It’s confusing, cryptic, and a bit scary. For me, it’s easier to just ignore it. But over these next few weeks as we dive into this topic I’d like to issue a challenge that I will also do.
The challenge is this: Ask the Lord to change your perspective on His return.
Don’t just pray this prayer and not put any action to it though. Make a commitment to be at church or listen to the sermon if you have to miss. Read through the passages on your own time. Listen to other commentary on the subject. Get together with a friend or small group to discuss these things. The end goal for me though is to be more watchful and alert to what is going on with the world around me. I want to live more intentionally with the time I have left, to make the most of every opportunity that the Lord puts before me. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.