Matthew - Day 32: Parables About The End*

Read Matthew 25:1-30

“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (v.13). Keeping watch involves living today with that day in mind! Focusing on that day instead of today allows each of us to live with tremendous motivation to consider our relationship with Jesus, change bad habits, to reorder priorities and alter the direction of our lives. Keeping watch means asking ourselves the hard questions about our relationship with Him such as:

• Am I merely a wedding crasher or have I associated myself as a member of the wedding party? Have I agreed to a covenant relationship with Jesus? Jesus paid the purchase price for you and me at the cross. He has extended his hand of marriage through Grace by faith!
• Do I eagerly expect the groom’s arrival or do I live as if the bride has been left at the altar? Am I preparing myself for my eternal marriage with Jesus? Do my priorities match those of my spouse? Have I made His agenda my agenda? Do I care about the things that He cares about? Do I keep busy with the things that keep Him busy?
• Have I embraced the benefits of marriage or am I unenthusiastic amidst my engagement? Do I live with hope, trusting the benefits of my future marriage? No matter the circumstances, do I live with assurance and hope. Job loss, broken relationships, health scares. Do I live with confidence that He is in control will one day come to rescue me and make this world anew?

Q: Are you prepared for Jesus’ return? What does one need to do to be properly prepared for His return?

Q: What does it look like to eagerly and expectantly await His return?

Q: Do you live with hope considering God’s eternal promises?

Q: If you think about the talents you have (actual talents, not like the money in the story), have you been faithful with what God has blessed you with? If so, how might you be more effective with them? If not, what opportunities could you pursue to try to be faithful with your talents?

Q: How does the promise of God preparing a place impact your daily decisions and opportunities?

For Further Study: Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3:13, 4:3-4, 2 Peter 3

For more, check out: The Bible Recap on Matthew 25