Be Ready: Jesus Is Coming Again
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Matthew 24:36–44
Wonder Truth
Jesus wants us to be ready for His return.
Memory Verse
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. – Matthew 24:44
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
As Advent begins, Jesus calls us to live alert and hopeful. In Matthew 24:36–44 He says no one knows the day or hour of His return—only the Father. Being ready is not about fear or guessing dates, but about faithful, everyday obedience: loving God, loving people, and living like Jesus now.
Invite kids into the joy of watching and the peace of trusting Jesus. Read the passage prayerfully beforehand and ask the Spirit to help you lead with calm hope.
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: Jesus and His disciples.
WHAT: Jesus teaches about His return and urges watchful readiness.
WHERE: Likely on the Mount of Olives (Olivet discourse context).
WHEN: During the final week before the cross.
WHY: To shape disciples who live faithfully in the present, trusting God for the future.
CONNECTION: Advent begins with hope and watchfulness—waiting for Jesus with hearts that do what He says.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Keep tone hopeful, not scary. Emphasize Jesus' love and faithfulness.
- Use concrete examples of 'being ready': kindness, prayer, forgiveness, helping.
- Reassure children: Jesus' return is good news for His family.
Key Vocabulary
- Watch/Keep Watch: To stay alert and pay attention to God.
- Ready: Living in a way that pleases Jesus every day.
- Hope: Trusting God will do what He promised.
- Bible (open during story)
- Small box labeled "Surprise" with a simple treat/object inside
- Timer or phone alarm
- Paper & crayons/markers
- Optional: flashlight for "watch/ready" visual
Prep Time: 10 minutes to set up surprise box and timer.
Leader Prayer:
"Jesus, thank You for Your promise to return. Help me lead these children into hope and readiness today. Amen."
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"What's a time you were surprised by something good?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Write the question where kids can see it.
- Set your timer/phone alarm for a random time in the next 2–4 minutes.
- Pray briefly for open, peaceful hearts.
"Tell me about a fun surprise you've had—birthday, snow day, a visit from a friend!"
Curiosity Game – Surprise Start
- Explain: "I set a timer, but none of us knows when it will ring."
- When it rings, everyone jumps up and calls, "Jesus is coming!"
- Debrief: "We didn't know when it would happen—just like we don't know when Jesus will return. So we stay ready!"
"Let's hear what Jesus says about being ready."
Belief
Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script):
"Jesus, open our hearts to Your Word. Help us listen and follow You. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme (with motions)
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
Storytelling (Matthew 24:36–44)
- "Jesus said no one knows the day or hour when He will return—only the Father."
- "People will be doing everyday things when the Son of Man comes."
- "So, keep watch and be ready—He could come at any time."
- "If the homeowner knew when a thief was coming, he would be ready; so we should be ready for Jesus."
Object Lesson – The Surprise Box
- Show a closed box labeled "Surprise" and ask: "What do you think is inside?"
- Open and reveal something good. Say: "We didn't know what or when—but it was good!"
- Connect: "Jesus' return is good news for everyone who loves Him."
Discussion Prompts
- "Why do you think Jesus didn't tell us the exact time He'll return?"
- "What do you think it means to 'be ready' for Jesus?"
"Today's truth is: Jesus wants us to be ready for His return. We get ready by trusting Him and doing what He says."
Teach with motions:
- Point to self ("You also must be ready")
- Hands like a clock ("hour")
- Hands out in a shrug ("do not expect")
- Point upward ("Son of Man")
Faith
Make "ready" practical: praying, kindness, telling the truth, forgiving, helping.
- "What does it look like to be ready for Jesus today?"
- "Who can you help this week?"
- "When can you pray and thank Jesus?"
- "How does knowing Jesus will return change the way we live now?"
- "Which 'ready' habit is hardest for you—why?"
- "What's one choice you can make this week to be ready?"
Interactive Faith Response – Ready Hearts
- Kids draw one way they'll be "ready" this week (pray, help, forgive, share).
- Invite a few to share their picture and plan.
- Echo together: "Jesus, help us live ready!"
Identity
Craft – Watch & Walk Bookmark
Supplies: Paper strips, crayons/markers, hole punch, yarn (optional).
- Write: "I live ready for Jesus" and the reference "Matthew 24:44" on a strip.
- Decorate with a small clock and footprints (watch & walk).
- Punch a hole and add yarn if desired.
"Because we belong to Jesus, we are people of hope. We watch for Him and walk with Him every day."
Closing
"Say it with me: Jesus wants us to be ready for His return." (Whisper, normal, celebration voices.)
Matthew 24:44 with motions (point to self, clock hands, shrug, point upward).
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me):
"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for Your promise to come again." (pause)
"Help me live ready today." (pause)
"Help me love and help others." (pause)
"Amen."
"May Jesus fill your heart with hope and help you live ready in His love this week."