Prepare, Watch and Take Heed - The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

When I prepare a meal for a special dinner, a lot of time and thought goes into it. I picture myself with my family and try to envision what we will be eating and how to make that time enjoyable and memorable. Compare this type of preparing to how I prepare for the Savior Second Coming and I know I can make some improvements. I have learned what it means to watch and take heed. I want to be prepared each day and live my best and to do this I need to watch, pray and take heed!

Choice 2: Mark 13; Luke 21: 5-38; Joseph Smith – Matthew. Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

Review Mark 13:5, 9,23,33,35,37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

1.) In verse 5, it says to “take heed” what does that mean? In the dictionary it says that to “heed” means to pay attention or give attention. We are warned by the Savior himself to, “Take heed lest any man deceive you:” In the time we live there are many deceivers and soothsayers. We should give attention to what is happening around us and beware that Satan desires that we be deceived.

2.) In verse 22 the Lord warns us that there will be false Christs and false prophets that will rise up and show signs and wonders “to seduce” us and deceive us. In verse 23, the Lord again says, “take heed” (pay attention) “I have foretold you all things.” We should be familiar with what the Lord has warned us about and His servants have given us counsel on how to prepare for the Second Coming. By listening to inspired prophecy, we will be protected for deceit and be prepared.

3.) In verses 33,35, and 37 the Lord uses the word “watch.” I wanted to get a clear understanding of what the word watch means. The dictionary gives this meaning:

To look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening.

Give attention.

To care for (someone or something) for a period of time in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens.

These definitions give greater insight to the word watch.

If we are to watch perhaps we could be watching the Lord learning His ways and following Him. By watching and learning of Him we are preparing for His coming and can watch for His return.

We can give attention to the state of the world and know that we are in the Last Days and prepare.

We can “care for” our testimonies, nourish them, and share them with others. By doing so we share the message of Jesus Christ and help prepare others for His return.

Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine & Covenants 87:8 – Christ is the light and life of the world. He gives light.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:32 – All Prophecies will be fulfilled.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:37- Study the scriptures. Know them. Read, study and ponder them to feel the spirit and hear the Lord’s voice. The elect will be gathered.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:46-50 – The Lord speaks to all. Be watchful, look to the Savior’s example and follow Him, be found doing the will of the Lord. Be ready. The Lord’s coming will come to pass in a time “we think not.”

Doctrine & Covenants 45:56-57 – Jesus Christ testifies that those who are “wise” have “received the truth”, “taken the Holy Spirit for their guide”, “and have not been deceived” As believers, we can be watchful by following this path.