Class 27 – The Savior’s Second Coming
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
In Matthew 24-25, Jesus Christ gives a powerful discourse about his second coming. Although they are two separate chapters, they are one connected discourse. As you prepare for class, please read the following:
JST Matthew 24 (Joseph Smith-Matthew, in the Pearl of Great Price). Please read the whole chapter and ponder on its meaning for you.
What are the two specific questions that the disciples ask in JS-Matthew 1:4?
What is Christ’s prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem (JS-Matthew 1:5-20)
What are specific signs of Christ’s Second Coming that he gives in JS-Matthew 1:22-33?
What key does Christ give in JS-Matthew 1:37 for not being deceived?
When will Jesus Christ return? (see JS-Matthew 1:48). What does that mean for us?
Read Matthew 25:1-13. In your own words, briefly summarize the parable of the ten virgins and what it means.
Read Matthew 25:14-30. In your own words, briefly summarize the parable of the talents and what it means.
Read Matthew 25:31-46. In your own words, briefly summarize the parable of the sheep and the goats and what it means.
What are some specific things Paul says to the Thessalonian saints about the Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians 5:1–8?
Given Paul’s teaching in 1 Thessalonians, it appears that some of the people in Thessalonica thought that the Savior’s Second Coming would happen within a very short period of time. How does Paul correct that idea in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3?
In 2 Peter we are warned that in the last days some people will scoff and say that Christ is not returning. What advice do we receive in 2 Peter 3:10-12 (NRSV)?
Questions to focus on
What advice does Jesus and Elder Rasband give to those who might be troubled about the signs of the times?
Jesus compares the time prior to the Second Coming to what Old Testament event? What can we infer from this comparison?
According to Jesus Christ, how can we avoid being deceived?
What attributes does Jesus associate with the “wise virgins” in the Doctrine and Covenants?
How could you personally apply the parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and the goats? (Personal thought question).
While the exact details of the final battle before Christ’s coming are unclear, what is a clear scriptural pattern regarding these battles?
What weapon is used in the battle recorded in Revelation 19?
Compare and contrast Roman cities with the description John provides of the New Jerusalem.
What physical feature appears in the beginning chapters of Genesis and the final chapter of Revelation? What can we learn from this connection?
Deseret Book Publications
COMING SOON!
Optional Post-Class Readings
This class touched on the Book of Revelation. If you’d like a scholarly but accessible introduction to the Book of Revelation, check out, Revelation and the End of All Things, by Craig R. Koester.
This song and music video were based on lines from one of the three parables in Matthew 25. What message is this song trying to convey?
Acknowledgements
Insights from, discussions with, and resources authored by Dr. Craig Koester, Dr. Nick Frederick, Dr. Mark Ellison, Dr. Stephan Taeger, and Dr. Frank Judd were used in the creation of this video.