Week Number Four
God’s Kingdom Will Come – “The Returning King”Scripture:
Note- Today is two portions that flow together in the Bible.
Revelation 20:11–15: “11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:1-5: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
The life and mission of Jesus began with the manger, and it did not end with the cross or even His Resurrection back from the dead to life. It continues with God's promise that one day Jesus will return—not as a humble baby, but as the conquering King who will rule and judge the world. This is the hope we cling to: Jesus will make all things right. Every injustice, every pain, every tear will be answered when He comes again. We will also have to give an account before God for how we lived our life, followers of Jesus and those who do not follow him.
At Christmas, we celebrate His first coming, when He came in humility to save us. But we also look forward to His second coming, when He will come in glory to reign forever. The sweet baby in the manger is also the powerful King of Kings!
This truth reminds us that our lives are not just about today. They are about eternity. Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, and those who belong to Him will live with Him forever in His perfect kingdom. That’s why Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a reminder of the greatest hope we have: Jesus is coming again!
Discussion Questions
- How does it make you feel to know Jesus will return as King of Kings? Excited, fearful or something else?
- Why do you think God chose for Jesus to come first in humility and later in glory?
- What does it mean to live today with eternity in mind? What would you change about how you are living now?
- How can you share the hope of Jesus’ return with someone who feels hopeless or discouraged?
Prayer
Pray together as a family. Take turns speaking out who He is and why He is good to us. Thank God for sending Jesus the first time to save us, and thank Him for the promise that Jesus will return again. Ask Him to help you live with hope and courage, knowing that Jesus is the King who will make all things right. Pray for those who don’t yet know Him, that they would be ready for His return and find joy in His kingdom.
(All content copyright Mark Taft.)
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