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Small Group Teaching Plan

Session 78: Christ’s Return


Key Question: How do we know Jesus will return?
Biblical Truth: Jesus gave many signs that will point to His second coming.

(Note: Questions or activities that are more appropriate for younger youth or for older youth are marked by “YY” or
“OY” respectively.)

Preparation: Preview the video for this session. (See clip on this CD.) Read Matthew 24:4-14,36-44; John 14:2-3; and
“Background for the Bible Passages, Session 78.”

After the Video:


1. Ask: Have you ever felt like Isaac—you’re not sure you’re ready for Christ to return? Give each student a sheet
of paper and a pen, and direct everyone to write down prophecies that they have heard about Christ’s return. (OY) Call
on students to share what they have written and briefly discuss.
2. Ask:
 Do you think anyone can be 100 percent certain that Jesus will return? (OY)
 What are the main reasons people think Jesus will return?
 Why do you think Jesus gave us clues about His return rather than just saying, “I will one day return”?
3. Distribute the “Session 78 Outline”; review with students. Say: Today we are going to study some of the signs of
Christ’s return. Our goal is that each student will become more ready for this future event.
4. Call on a volunteer to read aloud John 14:2-3. Ask:
 What promises did Jesus make in these two verses? (God’s house has many dwelling places, Christ is preparing
a place for us, He will come back to receive us)
 Because Jesus promised He would return, how confident can Christians be that He will really return? (YY)
 What would you say to people who scoff at Jesus Christ ever returning to earth?
 How do these verses impact your life right now as you await His return? (OY)
5. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Matthew 24:4-14. Ask:
 What are some of the signs of Jesus’ return found in these verses? (People claiming to be Jesus, wars, famines,
earthquakes, persecution, false prophets, love will grow cold, good news preached to all nations)
 What does Jesus call wars, earthquakes, and famines in verse 8? (The beginning of birth pains)
 According to verse 14, what must take place before the end? (The good news proclaimed in all the world)
 What can you do to prepare the way for Jesus’ return? (Proclaim the good news to those who have not yet
heard.)
 How are you proclaiming the good news right now?
6. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Matthew 24:36-44. Ask:
 Who knows when Jesus will return? (God the Father)
 What will Jesus’ return be like? (Like the days of Noah)
 Why should Christians be alert for His return? (Because we don’t know when it will be)
 What practical things can you do to be ready for Jesus’ return?
 How can being ready for Jesus’ return draw you closer to Him right now?
7. Give each student a copy of the “Return Quiz” handout. Direct students to answer these true/false questions, and then
review the answers. (Answers: 1-F, 2-T, 3-T, 4-F, 5-F, 6-T, 7-T, 8-F, 9-F, 10-T) Close in prayer, challenging students
to be ready for Christ’s return.

Options
1. Divide students into two teams and hold an informal debate arguing for and against this statement: Jesus will return in
the next five years based on world events and today’s Bible passages. (OY)
2. Give each student a sheet of paper and a pen. Instruct students to write a letter to a friend telling him or her about the
return of Jesus. Call on volunteers to read their letters to the group. (YY)

Continue
Hand out copies of “Exploring the Bible Daily 78.” Encourage students to read the passages for today’s session. Direct
students as they read to write questions or insights.
© 2007 LifeWay Press®. Fuel2: Owning Your Faith, Volume 7. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.

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