When Did Jesus Say He Would Return
Today we will talk about When Did Jesus Say He Would Return. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. This topic carries significant weight for believers, providing hope and a reminder of the promises made by Jesus. Understanding His return is vital for our faith and daily lives, encouraging us to live in accordance with His teachings. From the prophecy in the Old Testament to the teachings in the New Testament, we can find consistent themes surrounding His second coming. Let us journey together through Scripture to uncover what Jesus declared about His return.
Jesus’ Promises of His Return
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus spoke plainly about the fact that He would return one day. His teachings often included indications of this event, encouraging believers to be prepared and watchful. The Greek word for “return” used in the New Testament is “parousia,” meaning a coming or presence. This term signifies not just a mere visit but a significant return that would change the world order. Jesus emphasized the certainty of His return, reassuring His followers that He would come back for them. It’s essential to understand Jesus’ promises in their historical context, which can illuminate our understanding of when and how this will happen.
In John 14:3, Jesus comforts His disciples by saying, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” This verse illustrates His intention to return and take believers into His eternal presence. He reassures us that there is a plan and purpose for our lives beyond this world, emphasizing His continuous relationship with us even beyond His ascension.
In Matthew 24:30-31, Jesus provides further details about His return, saying, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Here, He mentions a grand event with significant implications for everyone and that His return will be observable, powerful, and remarkable.
To drive home the importance of this promise, Jesus cautioned His followers in Mark 13:32-33, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” This indicates that while the exact timing of His return remains a mystery, what is essential is our readiness and vigilance in living out our faith.
The Signs of His Return
The question of when Jesus will return does not only relate to a date but also to events that would signal His coming. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of various signs that would precede His return, highlighting the importance of being aware and prepared. The Jewish understanding of signs is particularly significant as it relates back to the Prophets of the Old Testament, where signs were always notable indicators of God’s actions in the world.
In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus mentions, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” He relates the turbulence in the world as signs pointing towards His return, reminding us not to be discouraged, as they are merely birth pains of what is to come.
The increase in wickedness is also a notable sign mentioned in Matthew 24:12, where it says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” This echoes the sentiments found in the Book of Revelation regarding the moral decay prior to the end times. Understanding these signs allows us to discern the times in which we live, driving us to maintain our faith amidst adversity.
Furthermore, Jesus spoke of the preaching of the Gospel to all nations as a significant indication of the approaching end. In Matthew 24:14, He stated, “And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” This verse emphasizes the global mission of the church, inviting us all to participate in spreading the Gospel eagerly, amplifying hope and the urgency of His return.
The Promise of His Return in the Old Testament
Before Jesus proclaimed His return, the Old Testament contained numerous prophecies alluding to His second coming, establishing a foundation of expectation within the Jewish community. Understanding these earlier prophecies provides a backdrop that enriches our understanding of His promises in the New Testament.
The notion of a promised return can be traced back to Zechariah 14:4, which states, “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east.” This prophecy emphasizes the specificity of the location where Jesus will return, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promises to restore Israel. The Mount of Olives holds great significance in Jewish history, making this prophecy especially meaningful.
Furthermore, Daniel’s prophecies shed light on the apocalyptic events leading to His return. Daniel 7:13-14 reads, “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.” This verse highlights the authority that Jesus will exercise upon His return, reassuring believers of His rightful place as King.
Isaiah also spoke of restoration and redemption, which resonates with the teachings of Jesus. In Isaiah 35:4, he encouraged those feeling fearful, proclaiming, “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’” This instills hope in believers that God’s intervention is assured, paving the way for Jesus’ second coming.
The Role of the Church in Anticipating His Return
As believers, we play an active role in preparing for Jesus’ return. The church functions as a community that encourages and equips members to live in anticipation of His coming. This not only influences how we act and interact with others but also how we share our faith with those around us.
Opposed to becoming complacent in our faith, we are called in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 to “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” This underscores the need for vigilance and active participation in our faith journey. Being part of the church means we should support one another in pursuing holiness and godliness, eagerly waiting for the return of our Savior.
The church can also facilitate a fruitful discussion around teachings concerning the end times, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where it says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” This reminds us that gathering together increases our strength and fortitude as we anticipate what lies ahead.
Furthermore, just as Jesus instructed His disciples to be witnesses (Acts 1:8), we are commissioned to follow in their footsteps, being lights in the world. This is significant as we await His return, exemplifying the kindness and love of Christ to those who have yet to know Him. Engaging with our communities and demonstrating the love of Jesus helps cultivate an awareness of His coming.
Living in Light of His Return
Understanding the promise of Jesus’ return should motivate us to live differently. As believers, we don’t simply await a date marked on a calendar; rather, we should embody the lifestyle of readiness and faithfulness that aligns with our beliefs. Jesus instructed us to live in a way that reflects our anticipation, shaping how we conduct our daily lives.
In Matthew 24:42-44, He proclaimed, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This passage emphasizes our need for readiness, highlighting that we should anticipate His return with every decision we make.
The way we treat others also reveals our readiness for Jesus’ return. In Romans 13:10, it is stated, “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Our relationships with those around us become a biblical representation of how we view His coming again. By fostering love and compassion, we prepare both ourselves and others for His Kingdom.
Additionally, being aware of His return calls us to share the Gospel actively. In 2 Peter 3:9, it says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God’s timing reflects His desire for everyone to know Him, so we should seize opportunities to share the hope found in Jesus with others in our lives.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding when Jesus says He would return is crucial for our faith and daily lives. We’ve learned that while the exact hour is unknown, Jesus has promised to return and shared signs that will indicate His coming. Through Old Testament prophecies, we recognize the significance of His return rooted in history. As members of the Church, we have the responsibility to be alert and prepared as we await that glorious day. Ultimately, our lives should reflect readiness, love, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel with those around us. Let’s embrace the hope and joy that comes with expecting His return, living each day in light of that promise.
We are encouraged to help one another grow in faith and stand firm in anticipation. Let us strive to be faithful, always ready to meet our King when He returns.
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