Parables of second coming

Parables Of Second Comming

Intro.

A. Peter, Paul and John wished for the Lord's return.
1. 1 Cor. 16:9-24 - Thus, Paul with his own hand said, "O Lord, come!" which the KJV puts literally "Maranatha."

2. 2 Pet. 3:10-12 - Thus, we should be "looking for and earnestly desiring the come of the day of God." (ASV) "Look forward to and speed its coming." (NIV)

3. Rev. 22:20-21 - There two possibilities here:

a. John wanted the Lord to come quickly in judgment and retribution - in bringing the plagues upon those who were persecuting Christians.

b. John wanted the end of all things to come quickly.

B. There are five parables in the New Testament which teach the sudden, unexpected, dramatic coming of the Lord. (See chart below)

1. All of them teach the importance of readiness. I. THE DOOR-KEEPER - Luke 12:35-36; Mark 13:33-37
A. The man going into a far country represents Christ. Someday, He will return.

1. He gave responsibility to all his servants, but we put emphasis here on the door-keeper.

2. The door-keeper is similar to a century
posted who was to guard something, perhaps a gate.

3. The door-keeper was to watch at all times so that when his master returned, he could open the door to let him in.

4. The watching door-keeper represents the responsibility for us to watch for our own souls, keeping ourselves ready for the Lord's return at all times.

II.
OWNER OF THE HOUSE - Luke 12:39-40; Matt. 24:42-44

A. The Lord's coming is not as a thief who comes "unnoticed," but as a thief who comes "unexpectedly."

1. The thief comes at an unexpected time.

2. If we knew when the burglar was coming to rob our house, we would stay home so that he would be scared away.

3. Other passages show that Jesus is coming as a thief. 1 Thess. 5:2,4; 2 Pet. 3:10

B. Again, watchfulness at all times is emphasized.

III.
SERVANT IN CHARGE OF THE HOUSEHOLD - Matt. 24:45- 51; Luke 12:41-46

A. The servant said in his heart, "My master is delaying his coming."

1. Many people today think they have plenty of time; thus, they see no urgency in getting prepared; at least, not at this present time.

B. The servant began to mistreat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunkards.
1. He began to submit to temptations and to live an wicked life.

2. At times, some Christians become more wicked than they were before their conversion.
2 Pet. 2:20-22

C.
A new dimension is mentioned here - the peril of doom.
1. The unfaithful servant will receive the same eternal destruction as the unbelievers.

IV.
THE TEN VIRGINS - Matt. 25:1-13

A. This parable is mentioned only in Matthew.

B. The ten virgins represent the members of the church.

C. The "extra oil" for the lamps represents complete service.

1. All had made some preparation, but some were lacking.

D. The sudden coming of the bridegroom, of course, represents the sudden coming of Christ.

E. The foolish were not able to obtain extra oil from their friends.
1. Each person will stand on his own merits when the Lord comes.

2. No one can come to our aid at that time.

F. Sad, tragic words will be pronounced to those who are not completely prepared.

1. He said, "I do not know you."

2. They will not be treated as a distant acquaintance, but as someone He never knew. Luke 13:25-28

V. PROPER USE OF TALENTS OR POUNDS - Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27

A. The parables of the talents and pounds are similar, but Luke's is wider in scope and more complex.

1. The lessons and applications of the two parables are the same.

B. Luke 19:11 - There was much excitement from the crowd. They thought the kingdom would be set us as soon as He arrived in Jerusalem.

1. Luke 19:12 - The nobleman (Christ) went into a far country (heaven) to receive for Himself a kingdom (the church) and to return (His second coming).

a. Daniel saw in the night visions One who came to the Ancient of Days and, among other things, a kingdom was given to Him. Dan. 7:13-14

C. Luke 19:14 - His citizens would not have Him reign over Him.

1. Later, these (His enemies) were to be slain before Him. Luke 19:27 D. His servants were given money ("each according to his ability" Matt. 25:15) and were told to do business until He returned.

1. Because of their diligent labor, the faithful servants were greatly rewarded.

a. When He comes, the Lord will bless those who are hard at work in His kingdom.
E. In both parables there is one who does not use what was entrusted to him.
1. He had a twisted type of fear. His fear should not have kept him from faithfulness, but prompted him to it.

2. The unfaithful man is labeled as a "wicked and lazy servant" and is cast into outer darkness. Matt. 25:26,30 Concl.

A. The five second coming parables emphasize the sudden and unexpected coming of the Lord.

B. He will come as:
1. The thief in the night.
2. The midnight arrival of the bridegroom.
3. The late return of the owner of the house.
4. The nobleman from a far country.

C. All the parables warn us to not be indifferent or slack.

1. Let us be ready, waiting, and watching for His return.