The Second Coming, by Harry Anderson

May 22–28

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21

“The Son of Man Shall Come”

As you read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; and Luke 21, you might ask, “What messages do these chapters have for me? for my family? for my calling?”

Record Your Impressions

Jesus’s disciples must have found His prophecy startling: the mighty temple of Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural center of the Jewish people, would be destroyed so utterly that “there [would] not be left … one stone upon another.” Naturally the disciples wanted to know more. “When shall these things be?” they asked. “And what is the sign of thy coming?” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:2–4). The Savior’s answers revealed that the great destruction coming to Jerusalem—a prophecy fulfilled in AD 70—would be relatively small compared to the signs of His coming in the last days. Things that seem even more stable than the temple in Jerusalem will prove to be temporary—the sun, the moon, the stars, the nations, and the sea. Even “the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:33). If we are spiritually aware, this commotion can teach us to put our trust in something truly permanent. As Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away. … And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:35, 37).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

What is Joseph Smith—Matthew?

Joseph Smith—Matthew, located in the Pearl of Great Price, is the Joseph Smith Translation of the last verse of Matthew 23 and all of Matthew 24. Joseph Smith’s inspired revisions restore precious truths that had been lost. Verses 12–21 refer to the destruction of Jerusalem anciently; verses 21–55 contain prophecies about the last days.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37; Mark 13:21–37; Luke 21:25–38

Prophecies about the Savior’s Second Coming can help me face the future with faith.

It can be unsettling to read about the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But when Jesus prophesied of these events, He told His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). How can you “be not troubled” as you hear about earthquakes, wars, deceptions, and famines? Think about this question as you read these verses. Mark or note any reassuring counsel you find.

See also Gospel Topics, “Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55; Matthew 25:1–13; Luke 21:29–36

I must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

God has not revealed “the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). But He does not want that day to come upon us “unawares” (Luke 21:34), so He has given us counsel about how to prepare.

As you read these verses, identify the parables and other comparisons the Savior used to teach us to always be prepared for His Second Coming. What do you learn from them? What are you inspired to do?

You might also consider how the Savior wants you to help prepare the world for His Second Coming. What do you feel it means to be ready to receive the Savior when He comes? Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “Preparing for the Lord’s Return” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 81–84) could help you ponder this.

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 73–76.

Matthew 25:14–30

Heavenly Father expects me to use His gifts wisely.

In the Savior’s parable, a “talent” referred to money. But the parable of the talents can prompt us to ponder how we are using any of our blessings, not just money. After reading this parable, you might make a list of some of the blessings and responsibilities that Heavenly Father has entrusted to you. What does He expect you to do with these blessings? How can you use these gifts more wisely?

Matthew 25:31–46

When I serve others, I am serving God.

If you wonder how the Lord will judge your life, read the parable of the sheep and the goats. Why do you think caring for those in need would help prepare you to “inherit the kingdom” of God?

How is this parable similar to the other two in Matthew 25? What messages do the three have in common?

See also Mosiah 2:17; 5:13.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Joseph Smith—Matthew.To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22, 37.What does it mean to treasure up the word of God? How can we do this personally and as a family? How will doing so help us avoid being deceived?

Matthew 25:1–13.You could use the picture of the ten virgins that accompanies this outline to discuss Matthew 25:1–13. What details do we see in the picture that are described in these verses?

You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

Mark 12:38–44; Luke 21:1–4.What do these verses teach about how the Savior views our offerings? Show your family how to pay tithing and fast offerings to the Lord. How do these offerings help build God’s kingdom? What are some other ways we can offer “all that [we have]” to the Lord? (Mark 12:44).

Widow’s Mite, by Sandra Rast

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82–83.

Improving Personal Study

Prepare your surroundings. “Our surroundings can profoundly affect our ability to learn and feel truth” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 15). Try to find a place to study the scriptures that will invite the influence of the Holy Ghost. Uplifting music and pictures can also invite the Spirit.

Five of Them Were Wise, by Walter Rane