This lesson looks at the work of Jesus Christ, and what he is about to do. If you are not sure about who Jesus is, please review the previous lessons about his birth, life and death.

The work of Jesus Christ is in two parts.

Part 1: He was born about 2000 years ago and was executed at the age of 33. God made him alive again, and now he is in heaven where God is.

Part 2: Jesus will return to the earth to be King of the whole world.

Let us look now at what the Bible tells us about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Let us look first at what he taught the people when he was on earth the first time. Luke 8:1 says that "Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God." Jesus often taught the people by telling them little stories called parables. The people of that time followed Jesus about because they loved to listen to him. Many of them were not able to read or write. Mark 12:37 says "The large crowd listened to him with delight." If we had been there, we would have been glad to hear him.

The warning to be prepared for Jesus return

Many of Jesus' stories were about the time when he would return as King. Here are two such parables.

1. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13

2. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30

These stories were a warning to be prepared for the coming of Jesus from heaven.

Look at Matthew 24:36-51 where Jesus gives a strong warning to be ready.

Therefore, we should be ready. How can we get ready? What must we do to be ready for the time when Jesus will return as King? If Jesus will control the world, it would be better to be on his side wouldn't it?

Each of us only has one lifetime to prepare. The people who heard Jesus when he was on earth the first time have had their time to prepare. There is nothing more they can do - they are dead. Please click here to read more about how we should use our time effectively.

No-one knows how long his life will be. There is a saying in English:

This saying means that if you have something that must be done, start it now, while you can. This is the lesson Jesus is teaching us. We must prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. I can only prepare myself. You can only prepare yourself. Jesus had a story about this too. Matthew 7:1-5. Look also at verses 7 to 12 to see how God will help those who really want His help.

Jesus wanted everyone to hear the message and to be ready when he returns. The disciples of Jesus "went out and preached everywhere" (Mark 16:20). The message they preached has been the same for 2000 years. We want to pass the message on to you. The message can be found in only one place, God's Holy Book, the Bible.

Jesus will return as Judge and King

When Jesus comes again as Judge and King, he will look closely at how we have lived our lives. He will look at our circumstances, and he will decide if we tried to be like him. Did we help other people? Or did we only help ourselves? Were we honest, reliable, kind? Jesus himself said that all of God's laws could be summed up in one law - "Do to others what you would want them to do to you..." Matthew 7:12. Of course Jesus is right isn't he? We all like to be treated well by other people don't we? Well, let's treat everyone as we would like to be treated.

It will not matter how clever, how rich, or how powerful we are in life. Jesus is not interested in the things that most people think are important.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to his dear friend called Titus. Paul told Titus that the believers should "live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ..." Titus 2:12-13.

What Jesus Christ wants is commitment from people who follow him. If you want to be the best at something, you must be committed to it. Jesus wants us to be committed to him. To live our lives as if we mean what we say. We all know people who are "phony". They say one thing, and do something completely different.

Jesus wants people who will follow him every day, not just Sundays.

This is the challenge of following Jesus Christ. It is not easy. However, with prayer to God, and reading the Bible, He will help us to be ready when Jesus returns, whenever that is.

A verse to learn...

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32.

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Last Updated: Sunday, 20 August 2006