Lesson 21 Watching and Waiting for His Return

 Lesson 21

Watching and Waiting for His Return

Scripture: Mark 13:33–37 —
"Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

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Lesson Objective:

To inspire believers to live in constant readiness for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, maintaining a lifestyle of faithfulness, vigilance, and prayer.

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Key Points:

1. The Call to Be Alert

   • “Take heed” means to be spiritually attentive, discerning the times (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

   • This is not about fear, but about living in expectation and obedience.

2. Our Assigned Stewardship

   • The Master has given authority and responsibility to His servants—each believer has work to do (Luke 19:13).

   • Faithfulness in our assignment is part of readiness.

3. The Uncertainty of the Time

   • We do not know the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36).

   • The unpredictability should inspire constant preparedness, not complacency.

4. The Danger of Spiritual Sleep

   • Sleep here means spiritual indifference or neglect of duty (Romans 13:11).

   • When we lose focus, we risk being caught unprepared.

5. The Blessing of Readiness

   • The vigilant will be rewarded at His coming (Matthew 25:21).

   • Watching is not passive—it involves prayer, obedience, and active service.

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Life Applications:

• Cultivate Daily Watchfulness: Begin each day with the awareness that Christ may return at any moment.

• Fulfill Your Kingdom Task: Focus on the work God has entrusted to you with diligence.

• Maintain a Prayerful Spirit: Prayer keeps the heart awake and attuned to the Lord’s voice.

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Reflection Questions:

1. What does “watching” for Christ’s return practically look like in your daily life?

2. How does the uncertainty of His coming motivate you to live differently?

3. In what areas do you need to awaken from spiritual sleep?

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Prayer Focus:

Lord Jesus, help me to live every day as if You might return today. Keep my heart awake, my hands faithful in service, and my eyes fixed on You until the day I see You face to face. Amen.