Jesus spoke clearly and directly about His return in the red-letter verses throughout the Gospels. Key passages like Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and John 14 reveal that His coming will be visible, unexpected, and marked by global signs. He warns against false prophets and urges believers to stay ready and watchful because no one knows the exact day or hour. This isn’t just an abstract future event—it’s a personal promise from Jesus to return and take His followers home.
Understanding these verses helps you grasp the hope and urgency Jesus intended. His return means everything will change, so living with readiness and faith matters now more than ever. If you want to explore what Jesus said in more detail and how it applies to your life today, keep reading for a deeper dive into the red-letter words of Jesus about His second coming.
If you’re curious about what Jesus Himself said about His return, the best place to start is the red letters in the Bible. These are the words directly spoken by Jesus, and several of them point clearly to His second coming. It’s not hidden or vague—Jesus was direct about this.
In this article, we’ll break down the most important red-letter verses where Jesus talks about His return. We’ll look at where you can find them, what He actually says, and what it means for you today. Whether you’re new to the Bible or you’ve read it cover to cover, understanding what Jesus said about His return helps put everything in perspective.
What Are “Red Letter” Verses?
“Red letter” Bibles print the words of Jesus in red to help readers quickly spot His direct quotes. While not all Bibles do this, many modern ones do. These red letters appear in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and also in Acts and Revelation.
When it comes to Jesus talking about His return, the key red-letter passages are in:
- Matthew 24
- Mark 13
- Luke 21
- John 14
- Revelation 22
Let’s walk through them one by one.
1. Matthew 24: Jesus’ Most Detailed Prophecy
Key Verses:
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24:30 (NIV)
This is one of Jesus’ clearest and longest talks about His return. He’s speaking privately to His disciples on the Mount of Olives—this is why it’s often called the Olivet Discourse.
Highlights from Matthew 24:
- Deception will rise. (v. 4–5) Many will claim to be Christ.
- Wars, famines, and earthquakes. (v. 6–7)
- Persecution of believers. (v. 9–10)
- The Gospel will reach the whole world. (v. 14)
- The abomination of desolation. (v. 15) A reference to Daniel’s prophecy.
- Cosmic signs. (v. 29) The sun and moon darken, stars fall.
- Jesus returns visibly. (v. 30–31) No one will miss it.
He even compares His return to lightning—“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (v. 27)
2. Mark 13: The Parallel Account
Mark 13 is nearly identical to Matthew 24. It’s another version of the Olivet Discourse. The key message is the same: Jesus will return with power, and no one knows the day or hour.
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” – Mark 13:33 (NIV)
Jesus emphasizes watchfulness. He uses the parable of a man going on a journey and tells His followers to stay ready, because the return could happen at any time.
Key takeaway:
You won’t get a countdown clock. The call is to live ready, not to try predicting dates.
3. Luke 21: Warning and Encouragement
Luke’s account adds some unique details. Jesus again describes signs in the heavens, distress among nations, and fear on the earth.
“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” – Luke 21:27 (NIV)
But what’s especially powerful in Luke’s version is what Jesus says right after:
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:28 (NIV)
That’s not fear. That’s hope.
4. John 14: A Personal Promise
John 14 is often quoted for comfort, but it’s also a direct promise from Jesus about His return.
“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:3 (NIV)
Here, Jesus isn’t talking about judgment or end-times chaos. He’s telling His disciples not to be troubled, because He’s preparing a place for them in His Father’s house.
This is personal. He’s coming back for you, not just to rule the world but to bring you home.
5. Revelation 22: “I Am Coming Soon”
The final chapter of the Bible has three red-letter promises from Jesus:
- “Look, I am coming soon!” – Revelation 22:7
- “I am coming soon!” – Revelation 22:12
- “Yes, I am coming soon.” – Revelation 22:20
By the time He says it the third time, John replies:
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
This is the last red-letter sentence in the Bible. It’s Jesus’ final recorded words to us.
What Does Jesus Say Will Happen When He Returns?
From all these verses, Jesus makes several things crystal clear:
1. It’ll Be Public and Visible
- It won’t be secret or hidden.
- Everyone will see Him. (Matthew 24:30)
2. No One Knows the Exact Time
- Not even the angels. (Mark 13:32)
- Date-setting is pointless—and dangerous.
3. It’ll Be Sudden
- Like a thief in the night (Luke 12:39–40)
- Or lightning across the sky.
4. There Will Be Global Signs
- Natural disasters, wars, cosmic events.
5. There’s a Call to Be Ready
- Jesus talks repeatedly about being watchful.
- It’s about living in a way that honors Him, every day.
How Should You Respond?
Here’s the simple truth: Jesus is coming back. He said it Himself—more than once.
So what do you do with that?
1. Stay Ready
- Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to follow Jesus.
- Live like He could return today.
2. Know the Word
- If Jesus talked about it, it matters.
- Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and John 14 yourself.
3. Share the Hope
- The return of Jesus isn’t just a warning—it’s a promise.
- Many people need to hear that hope.
Final Thoughts: Jesus Kept Every Promise—This One’s Next
The same Jesus who predicted His death and resurrection—and pulled it off—is the One who said He’s coming back. There’s no reason to doubt Him now.
If you’re not sure where you stand with Him, today’s the best day to figure that out. Because when He comes back, everything changes.
And just like Jesus said in Revelation 22:
“Yes, I am coming soon.”
Your move.
FAQs: Red Letter Verses: Where Jesus Personally Speaks About His Return
1. What are the red letter verses where Jesus talks about His return?
Red letter verses highlight Jesus’ exact words. The key passages where Jesus personally speaks about His return are found mainly in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, John 14, and Revelation 22.
2. Why are Jesus’ words about His return important?
Because they are direct promises from Jesus Himself, they carry authority and give clear instructions about being ready, the signs to expect, and the nature of His coming.
3. Does Jesus say when He will return in the red letter verses?
No. Jesus explicitly says no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, not even the angels. His message is to always stay watchful and prepared.
4. What signs does Jesus mention before His return?
Jesus mentions wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and cosmic disturbances like the sun and moon darkening as signs before His return.
5. Will Jesus’ return be visible to everyone?
Yes. Jesus clearly says His return will be like lightning visible across the sky—everyone will see Him coming.
6. How should believers respond to Jesus’ promise of His return?
Believers are called to live ready, staying faithful and watchful every day, knowing Jesus could return at any moment.
7. Where in the Bible can I read Jesus’ own words about coming back?
The most detailed red-letter passages are in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, John 14, and Revelation 22.
8. What does John 14 tell us about Jesus’ return?
John 14 offers a personal promise from Jesus that He will come back to take His followers to be with Him.
9. Are there any warnings in the red letter verses about Jesus’ return?
Yes, Jesus warns about false Christs and false prophets trying to deceive people before He returns.
10. How can I prepare myself for Jesus’ return according to His red letter words?
Stay alert, live a life of faith, trust His promises, and share the hope of His return with others. It’s about a daily readiness, not predicting dates.
