Jan 24th

Genesis 25     Esther 1     Matthew 24     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Matthew 24

Jesus is teaching prior to Gethsemane.

What does it teach us about God?
Omnipotence; He does what He says; the big picture; there is an end.
What does it teach us about Jesus?
He is God.
Our response?    v12-v13,  v44
The disciples are keen to know exactly when the end of the age will be and what it will look like.
Jesus’ response is to give some specifics but also to remind them that remaining faithful to God each day  is important.
We should draw encouragement that there is a bigger picture: God’s big picture:  He is in control, even in the bad times and promises these bad times will come to an end.
These times, we must remember, point to Jesus, and as his children, we are called to live each day in joyful expectation of his return.
Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold - what does this mean for us? What wickedness do we see around us? As we watch our nation gradually turn away from God, how do we stand firm and remain faithful. In what ways do we remain faithful?
v6 'See to it you are not alarmed.........'
Let’s not be surprised when, what God says does happen and takes place. Instead be strengthened in the knowledge that, as sure as persecution will come, so will our rescue come in Christ’s return.

(Member of a homegroup)