This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our new series entitled “The Beginning of the End.” This series explores the resurrection of Jesus in tandem with some of Jesus’ teaching about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of all time.This weekend I preached out of the second half of Matthew 24, verses 36-51, where Jesus responds to the second of His disciples two questions in verse 3:

• when will this happen?
• what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

This message is from the tenth and final part of our longer journey through the Gospel of Matthew, which includes “Family Tree,” “Power in Preparation,” “Becoming Real,” “The Messiah’s Mission,” “Stories of the Kingdom,” “Who Do You Say I Am?“, “‘Tis the Reason,” “Jesus Said What?!“, and “Scandalous Jesus.“

You can find the message video and outline below. You can also view the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  (Matthew 24:42)

The Unknown Hour of Jesus’ Coming (24:36-41)

The nature of Jesus’ “coming” (parousia)

The timing is unknown

It will catch people unaware:

• Like in Noah’s day
• Like those interrupted in their work

Disciples Keep Watch and Are Ready (24:42-44)

Like a homeowner burglarized didn’t know

We do not know

How to live in light of the unknown appearing:

• Keep watch
• Be ready

A Parable About Watchful Readiness (24:45-51)

What sort of servant is faithful and wise?

There is one who does what he has been commissioned to do

There is another who fails in his commission and misuses others

The timing is unknown so be watchful, ready, and faithful

Since there will be an end and Christ will return, how should we live?

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize Matthew 24:42 or 44.
• Consider watching the Bible Project video, “The Day of the Lord”
• For further insight into the Parousia, consider reading “The Parousia: Getting our Terms Right” by Walter Riggans in Themelios 21, 1