What are the chances of that prediction coming true? What are some things that we can be certain about? What are you uncertain about?
Verse 1-2: What are some businesses that have either failed or are close to failure today that were huge and powerful years ago?
How do you think the disciples reacted when Jesus said the stones of the temple would be thrown down? Why would this be recorded if the event hadn’t happened in the disciple’s lifetime?
What are some things many assume are permanent that you think are more temporary/fragile?
Verse 3: Do you think the end of the world will happen in your lifetime? Why or why not?
Do you think people in the past were reasonable in believing the world would come to an end in their lifetime?
Verse 5: In what ways can Christians be led astray to follow leaders, practices, or theology that differ from the gospel? Do you have an example of that happening to someone you know?
Verse 6-8: When do you think was the worst period in human history? 536 AD is a potential candidate.
What are some global things that are happening today that seem like the world is coming to an end? What are some things that make this the best time ever to be alive? What are the things that scare you the most about our current situation? Does it compare to what people have had to deal with in the past?
Verse 9-11: Do you think the world has become more antagonistic toward Christians? Why or why not?
Do you think people are falling away from Christianity because of persecution? Why or why not?
Verse 12-13: Do you ever find yourself becoming cynical because of the current state of affairs? In what ways can Christians allow their love to grow cold? How do we maintain a loving attitude in challenging times?
Verse 14: Despite seemingly insurmountable world challenges, Jesus says the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world. How could this be? Do you find that calamities we face make us more insular or mission-minded?
Verse 15-22: If the anti-Christ came to power today, where would you go? Would you be the kind of person who would flee or stay put?
How have churches typically responded to large scale calamities? Are there some ways your church can and does provide help in times of great suffering?
Verse 23-28: How can Christians be deceived? Do you think Christians are deceived in any way today?
Verse 29-31: Do you think everyone will know when Jesus comes back? What do you imagine it will be like when Jesus returns?
Verse 32-35: What is a legacy you hope to leave behind for your family, friends, and neighbors? What are the physical things you hope will last and what non-physical things do you hope will last?
Verse 36-51: If you knew you only had one month to live, what would you do?
How can we make the most of every day?
What does living like the master is coming back look like?