Jesus’ three stories in Matthew 25 pass on his mission to his followers and offer a glimpse of his coming Kingdom. Our task is to live today with growing awareness and confidence in the coming of his kingdom and to bring into our reality the values of that future day. How can we take our next step into faithfully following Jesus today while recognizing all that tomorrow holds for us? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Jesus’ story and teaching from Matthew 25:31-46. What is your first impression of this passage? Now, ask for God for grace and insight into the passage and read it again. What do you notice now? 2. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 3. When you consider the different titles or roles of Jesus in this story and in this chapter, what images or realities or relationships come to your mind: a. Son of Man (25:31): b. King (25:31-34, 40-41, etc.): c. Groom (25:1-13): d. Master (25:14-30): e. Shepherd (25:32-33): 4. What are some ways that living in the realities of Jesus’ coming kingdom have caused or might cause us to feel or operate like a “fish out of water?” 5. Pause and consider for a few minutes the celebration of communion at the Lord’s Table. How is this celebration not only a memorial of what Christ has done but a sign of Jesus’ reign and kingdom and all that he will accomplish in the future? What direction does this celebration to live? 6. How might Jesus be calling you to follow him right now to make the reality of his current reign and coming kingdom visible and tangible? What is one way you demonstrate his authority, presence, and character?