What Did Jesus Say About His Return?
The question of when and how Jesus will return has fascinated Christians for centuries. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Jesus spoke extensively about His Second Coming, describing various signs and events that would precede His return and what it would be like when He comes back.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine in detail what Jesus said about His Second Coming, drawing from the four gospels as well as other books of the New Testament. We will look at the various signs Jesus gave that would precede His return, His descriptions of what the day of His return would be like, the purpose of His return, and how He instructed His followers to prepare for this monumental event.
Signs Jesus Gave of His Coming Return
The Destruction of the Temple
Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Jesus told his disciples that not one stone would be left upon another (Matthew 24:2).
This signified the end of the age of animal sacrifices and Levitical priesthood.
Wars, Revolutions and Natural Disasters
Jesus said there would be wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes and troubles before his return (Matthew 24:6-8). History has seen a steady increase in wars, revolutions, famines, diseases, earthquakes and natural disasters.
For example, the 20th century suffered more casualties from war than any prior century.
The Rise of False Prophets and Teachers
Jesus warned against false Christs and false prophets who would arise to deceive people (Matthew 24:4-5, 23-24). There has been no shortage of cult leaders and false teachers in history. False teachings continue to mislead many today, such as new age philosophies and mystical spiritualities.
Widespread Persecution of Believers
Jesus told his followers they would be persecuted and killed because of their faith in him (Luke 21:12-19). The past century witnessed severe persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union, China and many Muslim nations.
Even in more tolerant societies, Christians face discrimination, lawsuits and hostility for standing up for their beliefs.
The Gospel Preached Throughout the World
Jesus declared that the gospel would be preached to the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). In the past century alone, with the aid of modern technology, Christian missionaries have reached every country on earth. The Bible has been translated into over 500 languages and counting.
The Abomination of Desolation
Jesus referred to Daniel’s prophecy about the “abomination of desolation” that would occur in the temple before the end (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27; 11:31). While there have been historical fulfillments of this, many scholars expect it to happen again in the future when the Antichrist defiles the temple in Jerusalem.
Jesus’ Vivid Descriptions of His Return
The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds
Jesus said that the sign of His coming would be unmistakable, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27). Just as a lightning bolt lights up the entire sky, Jesus’ return will be visible to all.
He also said that His coming would be accompanied by clouds, as the prophet Daniel wrote, “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven!” (Daniel 7:13). The imagery of clouds symbolizes Jesus coming with great power and glory.
The Sign of the Son of Man Appearing
Jesus said people would see a unique sign announcing His return, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then 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” (Matthew 24:30).
Some speculate this could be a cross appearing in the sky. Whatever the sign is, it will leave no doubt as to Christ’s identity when He returns.
A Thief in the Night
To emphasize the unexpected nature of His return, Jesus said He would come like a thief in the night when people least expect it (Matthew 24:43, Luke 12:39-40). Just as a homeowner doesn’t know when a thief will break in, His coming will surprise everyone.
But whereas a thief comes to steal, Jesus will return to rightfully claim what is His and bring blessings for those who are ready.
The Master’s Return from a Wedding Banquet
In several parables, Jesus portrayed His return as a master coming back from a wedding banquet to settle accounts with His servants (Luke 12:35-38, Matthew 25:14-30). The timing of the master’s return was unknown, so the servants were instructed to be watchful and ready at all times.
In the same way, Jesus commands His followers today to be spiritually awake and diligent in doing God’s will.
The Harvest and the Weeds
Jesus described His return as being like a harvest when the wheat is separated from the weeds. At “the end of the age,” He will send out His angels to gather the wheat into God’s kingdom but bundle the weeds to be burned (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
Once again, the timing is unexpected and there will be a separation between righteous and wicked. There is an urgency for people to align with Jesus while there is still time.
The Ten Virgins
One of Jesus’ parables features ten virgins awaiting a bridegroom, likely symbolic of Jesus, with their lamps (Matthew 25:1-13). Five virgins were prepared with extra oil for their lamps and five were foolishly unprepared when the bridegroom came at an unknown hour.
As the parable concludes, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” It illustrates the need to be perpetually ready for Christ’s return.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Return
To Judge the World
According to the Bible, one of the main purposes of Jesus’ return is to judge the world. The book of Acts says that God “has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained” (Acts 17:31).
Jesus Himself said that when He returns in glory, “all the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32).
This means that Jesus will return to evaluate every person’s life and actions in order to determine their eternal destiny.
To Gather His Followers
Another reason Jesus will come back is to gather His faithful followers to Himself. He promised His disciples, “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).
The apostle Paul explained that when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, then Christians who are alive “shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
What an amazing day that will be, when Jesus gathers all believers to Himself to enjoy intimate fellowship with God forever!
To Usher in the Kingdom of God
Jesus will also return to usher in God’s everlasting kingdom on earth. The book of Revelation shows that after Jesus judges evil and defeats Satan once and for all, He will establish a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more suffering or pain (Revelation 21-22).
Believers will reign with Christ and enjoy a world of love, joy, and peace – the way God intended it to be. As Jesus said, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). His return will mark the glorious restoration of all creation.
To Defeat Evil Once and For All
Finally, one of the main events accompanying Christ’s return will be the final defeat of Satan and all evil. The book of Revelation depicts Jesus leading an army of angels and saints to wage war against the forces of darkness in an epic cosmic battle (Revelation 19:11-21).
While Jesus defeated Satan through His death and resurrection, His second coming will mark the ultimate triumph over the devil and sin. As Paul wrote, Jesus will “destroy every rule and every authority and power” including death itself, the “last enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).
What an awesome day that will be when Jesus returns to destroy evil once and for all!
How Jesus Instructed His Followers to Prepare
Stay Awake and Be Ready
Jesus often told parables and stories to encourage his followers to stay alert and be prepared for his return. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).
Five were foolish and didn’t bring enough oil, while five were wise and brought extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, the foolish virgins’ lamps went out. Jesus concluded by saying “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
His point was that his followers need to be spiritually ready at all times.
In another passage, Jesus gave a warning: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:39-40).
Jesus wanted his disciples to live each day anticipating that he could return at any moment.
Live Faithfully While Waiting
In several parables, Jesus emphasized that his followers should live faithfully and fruitfully while waiting for his return. In the parable of the talents, a master entrusted money to his servants before going on a journey (Matthew 25:14-30).
Two servants invested the money and earned more, while one servant hid it away. When the master returned, he rewarded the faithful servants and punished the lazy one. The point was that Christians should actively serve God while awaiting Jesus’ return.
Similarly, in the parable of the ten virgins, the five wise virgins who brought extra oil represent those who are spiritually prepared for Jesus’ return. Oil represents faithfulness, fruitfulness, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus wants his followers to grow in spiritual maturity and serve him wholeheartedly in the meantime before he comes back.
Watch for the Signs
Jesus gave many signs that would point to his return and the end times, as recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. These include wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, false prophets, lawlessness, and the gospel being preached worldwide.
Jesus said when we “see all these things,” his return is near (Matthew 24:33). But he also said no one knows the exact day or hour, only the Father in heaven (Matthew 24:36). So Jesus taught his followers to stay alert and watch for the signs while also living each day faithfully.
Tell Others the Good News
Before ascending to heaven after his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The gospel being preached throughout the world is one of the signs Jesus gave that would point to his return (Matthew 24:14).
All believers have the responsibility to share the good news of salvation with others. The more people who hear and respond to the gospel, the closer we are to Jesus’ return.
Conclusion
In closing, Jesus provided abundant details about His eventual return, offering both signs to watch for and vivid pictures of what it will be like. He made it clear that He will come again in glory to judge the world, gather His people, and establish God’s eternal Kingdom on earth.
And He exhorted His followers to actively prepare by living faithfully, spreading the Gospel, and being ready at any time for His return. As we eagerly await the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises, may we take His words about His Second Coming to heart and apply them to our lives today.
