The Crown: Hope For The Future

Jesus Our Soon-Coming King – The Crown

Key Passages: Matthew 25:1–13; Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13,18; 1 Peter 1:3–5

1. The Final Square: The Crown

The Crown declares that Jesus is our .
From to , the Bible shows that history is moving toward the day when Jesus will and set all things right.

2. The Promise of His Return

John 14:1–3: “I will and take you to be with me.”
Acts 1:11: “This same Jesus… will in the same way you saw him go.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: “The Lord himself will from heaven…”

3. A Parable of Readiness – Matthew 25:1–13

Ten young women wait for the to arrive.
Five are and bring extra oil; five are and are unprepared.
Readiness is .
Readiness requires .
Readiness isn’t about ; it’s about.

4. Living as Lights – Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the of the world… let your light before others.”
Our , ,  and  should point people to the coming .
Even a small lamp can shine  in the darkness.

5. Hope that Anchors Us – 1 Thessalonians 4:13,18; 1 Peter 1:3–5

Because Jesus is coming again, we live with .
The story ends with Jesus on the .

3 Takeaways

Jesus is , we need to be

Let your

Anchor your in the

5 Questions

How prepared am I for Jesus’ return in my personal faith? Are there areas of my spiritual life where my “lamp” needs refilling with the Holy Spirit?

In what ways does my life currently reflect the light of Christ to those around me—at home, at work, or in my community?

When facing trials, grief, or uncertainty, do I anchor my hope in the promise of Jesus’ return, or do I rely on my own strength or temporary solutions?

Am I relying on others’ faith or church programs for my spiritual readiness, or am I actively cultivating my own relationship with Jesus?

How can I live with joyful expectation and vigilant hope, not fear, as I anticipate the return of Christ?