Teacher's Guide

The King and His Kingdom

Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew

Each gospel writer presents Jesus from different perspectives. Matthew focuses on the royal nature of the Lord and how He established His Kingdom here on earth. Our course will examine Jesus as King and the nature of His Kingdom.
Series
The King and His Kingdom
11 of 12
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The King's Judgment

Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew contain 3 views that Jesus uses to describe the destruction of Jerusalem, the second coming, and the cycle of devolution present in the world since Adam's sin.
Guide by:
David Laton, D.Min.

Teaching Strategy

The focus of this lesson is on final judgment as taught by Jesus. Of special note in this lesson is on the three views of judgment presented in Matthew 24 and 25 and what our view should be as faithful disciples of Jesus.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Know: Understand Jesus’ teachings on final judgment.
  • Feel: Defend the view that Jesus wants us to be prepared for judgment.
  • Do: Demonstrate preparedness for judgment by living faithfully to the teachings of Jesus.

Body of the Lesson

1.0 - Proof of Jesus as our King
2.0 - The three views from Matthew
2.1 - Panoramic view – vs.4-14
2.2 - Telescopic to Jerusalem – vs.15-35
2.3 - Telescopic to the second coming – vs.36-44
3.0 - Exhortation to vigilance
4.0 - Judgment scene
5.0 - Application

Discussion Questions

Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.

1. What indicators from Matthew's gospel portray Jesus as our King?

Answers will vary but look for responses that include:

  • The events of His birth (proclamation, worship received, etc.)
  • The witness received from God the Father, the Holy Spirit and John the Baptist at Jesus' baptism.
  • His defeat of Satan's temptations.
  • His power over disease, infirmity, death and sin through His miracles.
  • His teaching from a position of personal authority,
  • ("You've heard it said…But I say").
2. Describe the three views from Matthew 24:4-44.

(Note: This is from the text and video supporting this lesson.)

  • Matthew 24:4-14 – A panoramic view – A wide view of world history including the destruction of the temple and time afterwards and the period when he will return.
  • Matthew 24:15-35– A telescopic view to Jerusalem – Jesus sets His focus on an event that happened in AD 70.
  • Matthew 24:36-44 – A telescopic view to the second coming – Jesus shifts focus to His return at the end of days, including judgment.
3. Describe key elements of the panoramic view given by Jesus.

They are to be aware of false teachers claiming to be the Christ and false prophets claiming the end is near. We are to be aware of events and flow of history that will continue until His second coming. Jesus promises salvation to the faithful.

4. Describe key elements of the telescopic view of the fall of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem will fall. We know from history that prior to AD 70, the Jews were fomenting unrest. Rome sent in soldiers to quell the rebellion. After more than 4 years of siege, Jerusalem fell to the Romans in AD 70. This marked the end of the Jewish religion. During this time the temple was desecrated as Daniel prophesied in Daniel 11:31, Daniel 12:11. However, Jesus warns that as devastating as the destruction of Jerusalem was to be, it was not a sign of His return as false teachers and prophets would claim.

5. Describe the key elements of the telescopic view of the second coming of Christ.

In verses 36-44 Jesus makes the contrast of the destruction of Jerusalem with the second coming at the end of the world. No one knows the time, not even Jesus while He was with His disciples. There will not be cataclysmic signs (or "rapture") and all will seem normal. When Jesus comes, the faithful will be prepared and will be taken with Jesus. Disbelievers and unfaithful will be removed from the presence of God forever.

6. Explain the concept behind each of the following parables and how they relate to our preparedness for Jesus' return.
  • The evil slave – 24:45-51 – do not presume the luxury of sinning because judgment is far away. It will come at any time and judgment is sure for the unfaithful.
  • The 10 virgins – 25:1-13 – A warning about the foolishness of not being ready.
  • The talents – Matthew 25:14-30 – A warning for those in the Kingdom who fail in the mission to expand the borders of God's Kingdom. In short, God demands our best and will not reward mediocrity.
7. How does Jesus portray the judgment scene and how does it relate to Matthew 22:37-40?

In the climax of Jesus' teaching, he gives insight into who God considers righteousness. It is seen through how we express our love for God and for our neighbor. Those that are faithful will demonstrate their love to God in how they care for others. Note: Each of the activities Jesus describes are within the capabilities of each of us. Also note, the Jesus is describing through these actions an attitude of love. This love for God and neighbor is what Jesus described in Matthew 22:37-40 as the two greatest commands.

8. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?

The overarching theme of Jesus' words are to be ready. We are to live now as obedient, loving, and faithful servants beginning with our obedience to His will for our salvation

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Series
The King and His Kingdom
11 of 12