People get ready. Matthew 25.

This has been an unusual week for me as I've settled down at the computer to write an entry for each day's reading. Most days the process is straightforward: read the passage a couple of times, and write about either what caught my attention, or about what looks like it needs further explanation. Occasionally, I've approached the reading with the intent of sharing resources, tools, and techniques for studying the Bible, such as the sequence on doing a devotional study, or dealing with parables.

But this week I've had the same two reactions to each day's reading. The first reaction is that I see a "sermon" or "lesson" clearly laid out in the chapter. I don't want this blog to be about sermons, even if it's not without sermonizing. And, of course, a sermon would take a while to flesh out and record, and that's time that I don't have, and you probably don't either. The second reaction I've experienced is a reluctance to comment on smaller parts of the chapter. As I think about it, that may be in part because I've seen a big picture for the chapter and so I'm reluctant to break it down further. But some of my hesitation is that the issues Jesus talks about, and the lessons He teaches in these last three chapters, are best wrestled with unfiltered. I didn't know it would be the case for Tuesday and Wednesday, when I wrote on Monday, "No further comment required."

And so I'm tempted today to simply say have at it, and be done with the post. Instead, I'll share a very brief set of points from the lessons in chapter 24, and 25 without fleshing them out at all. Think of them as the starting outline of a sermon or series of sermons about living in expectation of Jesus' return. You get to expand the thoughts, or add to them, or change them, to make this your own sermon(s) or lesson(s) for yourself.

Introduction.
At the end of Matthew 24, Jesus told His disciples, and us, to keep watch. Chapter 25 records His continued description of what it means to live a life where we keep watch. As you read and reflect, keep in mind the audience who heard Jesus initially, and more importantly those who received Matthew's gospel. These folks were anticipating an early return of Jesus and had begun to suffer persecution in the mean time.

The Thief in the Night. Matthew 24:42-44.
Jesus issues the call to live a life that is ready for His return.

The Faithful Servant. Matthew 24:45-51.
The task of the faithful servant while awaiting the Master's return is to take care of the responsibilities assigned to him (or her). Don't slack off from those duties during the wait.

The Ten Bridesmaids (or Virgins). Matthew 25:1-13.
Staying alert doesn't mean that life won't go on (all 10 fall asleep), but it does mean to do all the right preparation so that when called upon you're ready to go.

The Parable of Responsibilities. Matthew 25:14-30.
Carry out the Kingdom responsibilities given to you.

The Evidence of Faithfulness. Matthew 25:31-46.
Serving one another is serving Him.

Endgame. Matthew 25.
If you need any further encouragement to do the right thing, take a look at what happens in the end.

Have some fun getting ready.