How important is it for Christians to know that Jesus Christ will return? Some Christians believe that the appearance of false messiahs, wars, rumors of wars, international conflict, and natural disasters are signs that we are living in the end times. Are they? What does Jesus say in Matthew 24.6? Why, in your judgment, have there been so many failed predictions about the return of Christ and the end of days?

Jesus couldn't be clearer. He will return, his return will be unmistakable, and everyone will know when it happens. But no one knows when it will take place. Given the uncertainty, how should we live our lives? If you knew that Jesus was returning tomorrow, would you live your life any differently? Why or why not? If so, how so?

“There is overwhelming evidence that this expression does not refer to everyone who is suffering, but to Jesus’ followers who are suffering. The emphasis is not on generic compassion (as important as that is elsewhere), but on who has shown compassion to the followers of Jesus who are hungry, thirsty, unclothed, sick, or in prison.” —D. A. Carson, For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006).

“The majority view throughout church history has taken them to be some or all of Christ’s disciples.” —Craig Blomberg, Matthew, New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1992), 377.

“‘My brothers,’ makes it almost certain that the statement refers not to human beings in general but rather to brothers and sisters of the Christian community.” —Donald Hagner, Matthew 14-28, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas, TX: Word, 1995), p. 744.

“There is a long and noble interpretation in the history of the church that the parable of the sheep and the goats refers not to the needy in general but to the persecuted church, or to persecuted missionaries, or to persecuted followers of Jesus… This is what is at work in the parable of the sheep and goats, not general compassion for the poor (however important that might be).” —Scot McKnight, Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2014), 121.

What do you take from the fact that Jesus offers three extended parables/ stories about our being ready for his return? How are the three parables similar? In what ways do they differ? How do the three parables complement one another? Are there any details that were unclear or confusing? (Refer to the YouVersion articles and a study Bible for insight.) Why is it important to take context into account when interpreting a biblical text? How should we prepare for the return of Christ?