Matthew 24: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 24 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus leaves the temple and predicts its destruction, saying that not one stone will be left on another (vv. 1-2). On the Mount of Olives, the disciples ask about the signs of his coming and the end of the age (vv.

Key verse

“Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.”
Matthew 24:42 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 24:1–2 Jesus Predicts Temple's Destruction
Matthew 24:3–8 Signs of the End Times
Matthew 24:9–14 Persecutions and the Gospel
Matthew 24:15–28 The Abomination of Desolation
Matthew 24:29–31 Cosmic Signs and the Son of Man
Matthew 24:32–36 The Fig Tree Parable
Matthew 24:37–51 Parables of Vigilance and Readiness

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Jesus say will happen to the temple stones?
In vv. 29-30, what cosmic signs does Jesus describe before his coming?
The phrase 'abomination of desolation' in v15: what does this refer to in the context?
Jesus' statement about 'this generation' in v34: how does this relate to the timing of events?
When has being unprepared left you feeling vulnerable, like those in v40-41?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 24: Mark 13, Isaiah 40, Luke 21.

Before next time: read Matthew 25.