What Will Jesus Look Like When He Returns
Today we will talk about what will Jesus look like when He returns. Many Christians do not know what this means. The second coming of Jesus is a significant event in Christianity that stirs up curiosity and excitement. It holds the promise of hope and restoration for believers. As we explore the scriptures, we’re invited to envision His glorious return, the joy of His presence, and the fulfillment of His promises. Let’s open our hearts and minds to understand not just the appearance of Jesus when He returns, but what it truly signifies for us as followers. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Understanding the Return of Jesus
The return of Jesus, also known as the Second Coming, is frequently referenced throughout the Bible. This anticipation is not just about how He will appear but encompasses his divine authority, the events accompanying his return, and what His coming means for humanity. In both the Old and New Testaments, multiple references give a clear picture of the expectation surrounding this event. The term “Second Coming” itself pulls us from the Greek word “parousia,” which means presence or arrival. The anticipation of this moment fills the hearts of believers with hope, as it represents the fulfillment of prophecies and the ultimate victory over sin and death.
In the Old Testament, prophetic imagery describes the coming of the Messiah, and many of these prophecies point toward Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” emphasizing His authority and divine nature. The historical view considers how Jewish expectations of a Warrior King influenced early Christians’ views of Jesus. In the New Testament, the Gospels recount numerous teachings of Jesus regarding His return, highlighting the need for vigilance and faithfulness. Matthew 24:30-31 states, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” This passage portrays a vivid and majestic return that invites awe and reverence.
To understand what Jesus will look like upon His return, we must engage with both the literal descriptive elements in Scripture and the metaphorical implications of His character and mission. Revelation 1:7 reveals, “Look, He is coming with the clouds,” highlighting His glorious nature. This imagery aligns with His ascent into heaven (Acts 1:9) and indicates a return that is unmistakable and powerful. In Revelation 19:11-16, we find a striking depiction of Jesus as a conquering King on a white horse, crowned with many crowns and called “Faithful and True.” This portrayal symbolizes His righteousness and justice and gives us an essence of His identity upon return.
Throughout this study, we will explore various aspects of what Jesus may look like, derived from different biblical texts, including His radiance, authority, and the profound implications of His presence among us when He returns.
The Majesty of Jesus in His Return
At the return of Jesus, one of the most emphasized aspects is His majesty. The term majesty encompasses grandeur, dignity, and supreme power, all attributes worthy of the King of Kings. When we think about the excitement surrounding His return, the biblical descriptions call attention to His divine glory, which far surpasses any earthly authority or beauty we can fathom.
In Revelation 1:14-15, we find a vivid picture of Jesus’ appearance: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters.” This imagery conveys a sense of purity and power, portraying Him as both eternal and all-seeing. The white hair symbolizes wisdom and purity, the blazing eyes depict His ability to see through hearts, and the bronze feet signify His strength and stability.
The imagery of Jesus’ voice being “like the sound of rushing waters” suggests authority and commanding presence. Imagine standing before a waterfall; the sound is both powerful and calming and carries with it a sense of peace—an invitation to come closer in awe. It resembles the appeal Jesus has for us to acknowledge His divine power and majesty, yet feel a comforting presence in our lives.
Furthermore, when speaking about His return, we cannot omit the prophetic details found in Zechariah 14:4, which indicates that “On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.” The Mount of Olives holds spiritual significance as a place of prayer, teaching, and prophetic statements made by Jesus. This detail reminds us that His return is not just a powerful event but also one that seeks to restore and connect with His beloved people.
In Matthew 25:31, we see that “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.” His throne signifies authority. Picture coming into the presence of royalty; there’s an instant recognition of power. As believers, we can anticipate that moment with excitement and reverence, recognizing Jesus as the King who has come to bring justice and righteousness to fullness.
The majesty of Jesus and the spectacular setting of His return captures the essence of hope for believers. It signifies not just His appearance but a renewal of all things and the complete fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. The glorified state of Jesus serves as an invitation for us to reflect on our spiritual lives while we await His return, to look for Him, and to anticipate the completion of our transformation as well.
The Role of Angels and Creation During His Return
Along with the description of Jesus at His return, the role of angels and creation itself plays a significant part in this event. The involvement of angels indicates the magnitude and significance of this moment; it’s a cosmic event that encompasses all aspects of creation. Angels serve not only as messengers but also as attendants and warriors in the divine plan of God.
In Matthew 24:31, it states, “And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” This passage illustrates an active involvement of heavenly beings in the return of Christ, emphasizing the excitement and momentum surrounding this event. The imagery of the “loud trumpet call” signifies a moment of alertness, where all creation will take note of the event unfolding. In Jewish culture, trumpets were often associated with significant announcements and calls to worship, further drawing attention to the importance of Christ’s return.
In the Book of Revelation, we find that “Heaven is open” (Revelation 19:11) as Jesus prepares to return. This image of an open heaven portrays a pathway from the divine to the earthly realm, blending the spiritual and physical dimensions as they connect at that moment. It emphasizes the reality that Jesus’ return is not merely a spiritual notion—it will also manifest in a tangible way that impacts all of creation.
Creation itself is personified in anticipation of this return. Romans 8:19 tells us that “The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” This passage depicts all of creation as longing for redemption and restoration. As Jesus returns, it will herald a new era, one where all that is broken will be made whole again. This atmosphere of appreciating the cosmic implications ties into a larger understanding of how every aspect of existence is awaiting liberation through Jesus’ authority.
In the same vein, we see in Philippians 2:10-11 that “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” This verse captures the idea that His return will command an acknowledgment from every corner of creation. The returning Jesus will encompass all that is known and unknown, and as believers, we are called to rejoice in this promise since we have the assurance of His ultimate reign over all.
The anticipation of His return creates a poignant call to action within believers to recognize our role in responding to this event. While we wait, we are invited to live lives worthy of Him and to share the good news with those around us. The interactions of angels and the deeper implications of creation communicate a hope that urges us to actively participate in the unfolding Kingdom of God, revealing His glory to a world that so desperately seeks it.
The Beauty of Jesus’ Character at His Return
It’s essential to recognize that while we explore what Jesus will look like physically at His return, His character embodies the essence of His presence. The beauty of who Jesus is defines the tone and intention behind His coming back to us. Through scripture, we glimpse attributes like love, grace, justice, and mercy—all of which have significant implications for us as we approach the second coming.
In Revelation 19:13, we learn that He will be “dressed in a robe dipped in blood.” This detail evokes thoughts of sacrifice and redemption, reminding us that at the core of His return is the love that conquers sin and offers us grace. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus displayed these fundamental traits—He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and offered forgiveness to sinners. He taught us how to love one another sacrificially and called us to follow Him. His return is, therefore, an extension of His ongoing mission, bringing closure to that which He began.
Furthermore, when we think about His character, we find that He is the embodiment of righteousness and justice. As mentioned in Isaiah 61:8, “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” Jesus’ return is marked by His authority to make all things right, ensuring that justice prevails over the brokenness of our world. This characteristic is a pillar of hope for believers, as it reassures us that every injustice will be addressed, every tear wiped away, and every heart comforted.
In Matthew 11:28-30, we are reminded of His gentleness and kindness: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” As we reflect on His return, we know that it is not merely an event filled with fear but one that offers personal solace and compassionate embrace. Jesus sees the brokenness of humanity and desires to bring comfort and peace, inviting us into relationship with Him.
The character of Jesus serves as a guide for us. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes and actions as we await His return. Are we embodying love, grace, and justice in our interactions? Do we extend mercy to those around us? The beauty of who He is should inspire us to grow closer to Him and to one another. Ultimately, understanding this aspect of Jesus before His return compels us to share His love in our daily lives and to be ambassadors of hope in a world yearning for His light.
The Anticipation and Preparation for His Return
The anticipation of Jesus’ return encourages us to prepare our hearts and lives. This preparation is multi-faceted—it touches on spiritual readiness, the pursuit of holiness, and the active sharing of faith. Throughout scripture, believers are instructed to remain vigilant and to rejoice in the promise of His coming.
In constant journeys of faith, believers are often reminded to evaluate their current state, taking lessons from Matthew 24:42, which encourages us to “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This vigilance is not about creating a sense of fear but instead cultivating awareness of the sacred means by which we live our everyday lives. When we stay alert, we position ourselves for spiritual growth and an intimate relationship with Christ.
Engaging in regular practices of prayer, worship, and studying Scripture can enhance our readiness. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” These simple yet powerful actions align our hearts with God, reminding us to remain in tune with His eternal plan. They foster a spirit that eagerly anticipates His return, igniting a flame of hope within us.
Moreover, preparing for His return also involves living out Christ’s teachings. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 emphasizes the importance of being prepared for His coming. Those who were wise took oil for their lamps, symbolizing the necessity of spiritual readiness and being equipped with the Holy Spirit. Spreading love and the gospel to others creates ripples of light within our world, showing preparation not just within ourselves but extending outwards.
As we share our faith, we engage with others about the exciting prospect of Jesus’ return. In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands His followers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” The act of sharing His love and grace with the world prepares both us and those around us for His return. The reality of His return compels us to reach out, to share in love, and to be agents of change, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty.
Ultimately, the anticipation of Jesus’ return instills in us a sense of hope, purpose, and excitement. Living lives prepared for His arrival connects us with His teachings, aligning our hearts with His mission. We can live in joyful expectancy, eagerly awaiting the moment when we will see Him face to face, embodying the radiant beauty, majesty, and character that we have so richly explored.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our exploration of what Jesus will look like when He returns, we are reminded that His appearance embodies majesty, authority, justice, and beauty. Throughout Scripture, we see a clear invitation to anticipate His return with excitement, reflecting on how His presence will transform everything we know.
Preparing our hearts involves living out His teachings and sharing His love with others, ensuring that we are ready to meet Him and enjoy the fullness of His grace. Each aspect of His return resonates with hope, beckoning us to reflect on our lives and act faithfully as we await His coming.
As believers, let us continuously rejoice in the promise of His return and embody the virtues He displayed while on earth. Our hearts should be filled with hope as we look forward to meeting the One who loves us so dearly and offers us redemption and peace.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4