1. In the context of the destruction of the temple, and natural disasters, and people pretending to be the messiah - what does Jesus say about birth pains in v. 8?
2. What do you think was going through the disciples minds when Jesus told them that they would be "hated" in v. 9? Why and how, do you think, after the resurrection and ascension, they were able to stay committed and firm?
3. In light of v. 14, who (what places and people) is the message of the gospel intended for?
4. The section of vv. 15-21, and for that matter the entire chapter, has a sense or feel of urgency. Does that characterize our faith today?
5. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples "ahead of time" (v. 25)? How would this help their - and our - understanding?
5. What does Jesus say in v. 35? Why is this such an important verse to remember?
6. In vv. 36-38, what does Jesus say about the timing of the return of the Son of Man? If this teaching is so clear, why do many people (Christians and non-Christians) speculate about the exact timing of this?
7. How can we "be ready" like what Jesus talks about in vv. 43-44?
Matthew 25 is a very interesting chapter and one that has long been debated. Many are fascinated and curious about the timing of "the end."
As we think about these things, we should keep in mind that Jesus is only a few days away from the cross - a moment that changed history forever, both on earth and in heaven.
As we reflect on the chapter as a whole, we could, at the risk of oversimplifying, see Jesus warning his friends and followers: there are tough times ahead. You will be mistreated and hated; many of you will be persecuted, some of you will be executed on account of your faith in me.
This, for me, is one of the reasons that strengthens our hope in the resurrection and the authenticity of the eyewitness accounts in the gospels. Only men and women, convinced that Jesus has risen, would be prepared to suffer and endure like this.
The message for us, and for other Christians, includes potential suffering and mistreatment. The call is to persevere and remain faithful. This is never easy, but it is made somewhat more possible as we remember the certainty of our hope - specifically, that Jesus is coming back.
And, we shouldn't take life - either our daily lives or even survival - for granted. We ought to live as if our time is short; as if our decisions have consequences; and aware that there will be times when we are tempted to abandon our faith.
But, as we expect and even plan for those things, our faith will be more solid yet.
When you have your weakest or darkest moment - call to mind Jesus. Mistreated, tortured and abandoned - raise and victorious. There is meaning in the suffering, however painful, as we call to mind the example of Christ.
Would he keep you in that hope, with strong faith, as we wait for him.