The Chosen + BibleProject | Season 5 Reading Planنموونە

Rumors of Wars and Kingdoms
When reports of war—especially from the Middle East—fill news feeds, many start thinking about the apocalypse and End Times. Add famines or earthquakes, and alarm often follows.
But Jesus tells his disciples not to be alarmed by wars, disasters, or global upheaval, explaining that such events must happen and that they’re not the end (Matt. 24:1-14).
Like everyone, the disciples long for safety, security, and clarity about the future. In the clip you watched, they marvel at the beautiful temple while leaving Jerusalem because to them it symbolizes God’s protection, presence, and power. But Jesus sees things differently and shatters their assumptions, declaring that the temple will be completely destroyed.
“When?!?” they ask, panicked—not just about the temple, but about the end of everything. Rather than answering, Jesus drops a sobering warning.
Because disaster grabs our attention and sparks panic, we naturally search for help, so beware. “Many will come in my name,” Jesus says, not by writing “Jesus” on their name tags but by posturing as great leaders—promising to save us from the chaos if only we follow them. These voices exploit our fear and divert us from God, so Jesus says, “Stay alert!” Don’t give allegiance to imposter saviors; instead, stay focused on the only true Messiah, Jesus.
Jesus’ instruction to “stay alert” is not about hyper-vigilant doom-scrolling through the headlines and looking for reasons to be alarmed. Instead, he’s inviting us to pay attention to the way of Christ, to live it faithfully, and to trust that fidelity to Jesus is the only path to life.
All of the “stay alert” and “be watchful” language in today’s readings from Matthew is about choosing to follow Jesus, especially when our fear tempts us to abandon him. It’s commissioning language that calls us to live lives shaped by Jesus’ love and truth, so that we might advance his Good News—the Gospel of the Kingdom.
And just what is Jesus’ “Gospel of the Kingdom”? Check out the BibleProject video below.

Reflection Questions
Jesus says, “Do not be alarmed,” which might sound like, “Just stop being scared!” But he doesn’t leave it there. From the Matthew 24 reading, in your own words, why does Jesus say we have no need for fear or even panic?

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), Jesus leaves us with a decision: will we just do whatever it is we wish to do until his return, or will we start preparing now, practicing the way of Jesus as we wait? If you were to choose the latter, what would a life of faithfulness and alertness look like in your world?