When Will Jesus Return? It Could Be Soon!

When Jesus spoke about the end times, He mentioned things that had to happen before His return. Some have happened. Therefore, get ready because no one knows when Jesus will return.

No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:32-33

I like this scripture text because of what Jesus told us. “Nobody will know!” How many people have tried to predict when He will come again?

Too many have repeatedly predicted His return, and they have missed the mark each time. I wonder why people don’t realize that nobody knows when Jesus will return.

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Mark 13:32

One time, even the secular world had predicted the end would come in 12 years. They, too, missed it. If they had hit the right time, we Christians would be in eternity right now.

Let’s get back to Mark 13. Jesus said that before the end comes, some things need to happen. He told us to look for the following things that could even mislead Christians.

Potential Misleading Events

Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.
Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines.
But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Mark 13:5-8

Later in the chapter, He repeated some of the things He had just said. I believe the Lord put these warnings in His Word because we just don’t know when Jesus will return.

Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time! Mark 13:21-23

As far as we know, the Father and the Son know all things together except this one thing. Even though Jesus doesn’t know when He has given us many clues pointing us to His return.

We live in a last-minute world. In fact, when you tell people a time to show up, many interpret it as around that time. Not wanting anyone to miss it, Jesus said the following.

And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:33

Jesus Will Return, But No Body Knows When

Regarding the return of Jesus, no one needs to concern themselves with being “on time” or “late.” The Bible says to be ready because you will either make it or miss it.

It won’t do any good to look at your watch or check your calendar. Because nobody knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return. So, be ready because He could call us home today!

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian and Corinthian Christians about the Lord’s coming for the church. He didn’t say when Jesus would return, but he did say how it would happen.

Listen, and I will tell you a divine mystery: not all of us will die, but we will all be transformed. It will happen in an instant—in the twinkling of his eye. For when the last trumpet is sounded, the dead will come back to life. We will be indestructible and we will be transformed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Paul explained why Jesus told us to stay ready for His return. It will happen fast, in the twinkling of his eye. Go ahead and blink. Did you have time to check your appointment calendar?

An Illustration About the Return of Jesus

Jesus illustrated the coming of the Son of Man with a story. A man went on a long trip and gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they needed to do.

He told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. Mark 13:34-36

These things really happen. I knew of a wealthy landowner who hadn’t been to a farm he owned for over five years. His caretakers, though, kept it up because he could show up there at any time.

I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” Mark 13:37

He commissioned us to build His kingdom while we watch and wait for Jesus to return. Take His warning seriously so you don’t get caught sleeping.

Jesus told a story about the importance of being ready. Ten bridesmaids waited for the Bridegroom to come. Five prepared for His arrival, but the other five, unprepared, missed out.

Don’t Be Foolish

But while they (5 foolish bridesmaids) were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ Matthew 25:10-12

The Bridegroom gave the same answer that Jesus will give to those unprepared upon His return. Therefore, watch for Him and stay ready for when He comes again.

I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him! Mark 13:37
So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:13

Jesus, we look forward to your return whenever it will take place. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!