What does it look like for us to continue Jesus’ mission and faithfully watch for his return? As Jesus faced the end of his life, he also talked about the end of this age (or as we might think of it, the end of the world) and charged his followers to be faithful until the conclusion of history when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom. In the first of three stories Jesus told in Matthew 25, we discover a sense of urgency as our temporary life now connects with eternal life that never ends. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Jesus’ story about the ten women who waited for the bridegroom from Matthew 25:1-13. Why would Jesus have told this story to his disciples and why might Matthew have recorded this story for us? What does this story emphasize about our waiting for Jesus’ return now? 2. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 3. If you would like to explore Jesus’ prophecies about the end of the age and his second coming further, read Matthew chapter 24. When you read this chapter, what parts may have been fulfilled in the past or partially fulfilled and what parts remain to be fulfilled in the future? How does Jesus’ teaching in chapter 24 encourage us to faithfully anticipate his return? 4. What questions rise to your mind when you consider Jesus’ return, his future kingdom, and the conclusion of human history? 5. When you consider your limited life expectancy, what do you think about and how do you feel? How could you take a step toward intentionally managing your time wisely in light of eternity to come? 6. Jesus chose to portray himself as a groom at a wedding and a husband in a marriage. What makes this image compelling or confusing for you and why might Jesus have used it? What does Jesus want us to understand by his use of this image?