Jesus taught clearly and often about the importance of being ready for His return. He warned that no one knows the exact day or hour, so we must stay spiritually alert and faithful at all times. Through parables like the Ten Virgins and the Faithful Servant, He illustrated that being ready means living in ongoing relationship with Him, obeying His teachings, and not becoming distracted by the worries or pleasures of the world.
He didn’t intend to scare us, but to prepare us. Readiness isn’t about fear—it’s about faithfulness. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to live like Jesus could return at any moment, His words offer practical, timeless guidance. Keep reading for a deeper dive into His teachings, how they apply today, and how you can stay spiritually prepared every day.
If you’re wondering what Jesus taught about being ready for His return, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most critical and often-discussed topics in Christianity. Jesus didn’t leave us in the dark. He gave clear, direct teachings about how to live in anticipation of His second coming.
Let’s break it down simply and directly, using His words and stories.
Why Jesus Talked About Being Ready
Jesus knew He was going to leave and return later. He told His disciples exactly that. In John 14:3, He said:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
But He also warned that many people wouldn’t be ready. The reason? Most would get distracted, lazy, or too comfortable in the world.
1. No One Knows the Exact Time
Jesus made it very clear: you won’t know when He’s coming back. Not even He knew the date—only the Father.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36
This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s to keep you alert.
What This Means for You:
- Don’t wait until you think the time is close to get serious about your faith.
- Live like He could return today—because He could.
2. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
This story is a picture-perfect example of what Jesus meant by being ready.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom (a picture of Jesus).
- Five are wise. They bring extra oil for their lamps.
- Five are foolish. They bring no extra oil.
- The bridegroom comes suddenly. The wise ones are ready and go with him. The others are shut out.
The punchline?
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:13
Key Takeaways:
- The oil represents spiritual preparedness—a life lived with God daily.
- You can’t borrow someone else’s faith.
- You don’t get a second chance once the door is closed.
3. Stay Awake and Alert (Mark 13:32-37)
Jesus used a mini parable about a man going on a journey. He puts his servants in charge and tells the doorkeeper to stay awake.
“If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” – Mark 13:36
Translation?
Don’t get spiritually lazy.
Practical ways to stay spiritually awake:
- Pray daily. Stay connected to God.
- Read Scripture. Learn His voice and His ways.
- Live with purpose. Obey His teachings.
- Serve others. This keeps you from becoming self-centered.
4. The Faithful and Wicked Servants (Matthew 24:45-51)
Jesus compares two types of servants:
1. The faithful servant:
- Takes care of what the master entrusted to him.
- Keeps doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
2. The wicked servant:
- Says, “My master is delayed.”
- Gets lazy, starts partying, mistreats others.
The faithful servant is rewarded. The wicked one? Punished.
What Jesus is saying:
- Being ready isn’t about looking busy at the last second.
- It’s about being faithful consistently.
5. Signs of the Times (Matthew 24, Luke 21)
Jesus gave clues about what the world would look like before He returns:
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Earthquakes
- False teachers
- Increased wickedness
- The Gospel preached everywhere
These signs aren’t the end—they’re reminders to stay ready.
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:28
6. Don’t Be Distracted (Luke 21:34-36)
Jesus warned:
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…”
This hits home, right? It’s easy to get caught up in money, jobs, entertainment, stress. But these things can dull your spiritual focus.
Jesus’ solution?
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen…” – Luke 21:36
7. How You Can Be Ready (Practical Steps)
Being ready for Jesus isn’t about guessing the date. It’s about how you’re living today. Here’s how to stay prepared:
1. Repent and believe the Gospel
Jesus’ first message was simple:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17
Have you turned from sin and trusted Him as Savior?
2. Stay connected to Christ
“I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Make Him the center of your life.
3. Live with eternity in mind
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” – Matthew 6:20
Invest in what matters forever—faith, people, God’s kingdom.
4. Be active in your calling
Use your gifts. Share the Gospel. Help the hurting. Love your neighbor.
8. Jesus Wants You to Be Ready
Here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t want you to be caught off guard. That’s why He gave so many teachings, stories, and warnings.
He’s not hiding the truth—He’s laying it out plainly:
- He’s coming back.
- You won’t know when.
- Be ready now.
Final Thought
Jesus’ return isn’t just a future event—it’s a call to live differently today. Being ready means being in relationship with Him, obeying His word, and living with purpose.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes.” – Luke 12:43
FAQs: Jesus’ Teachings About Being Ready for His Return
1. What did Jesus teach about being ready for His return?
Jesus taught that no one knows the exact time of His return, so we should always live in a state of spiritual readiness—praying, obeying His Word, and staying faithful.
2. Why is it important to be ready for Jesus’ return?
Because Jesus will return suddenly, and those who aren’t prepared may miss out on eternal life with Him. Readiness shows a genuine relationship with Christ.
3. What are the key parables Jesus used to teach about His return?
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) and the Parable of the Faithful and Wicked Servants (Matthew 24:45–51) are key stories showing the difference between those who are ready and those who are not.
4. How can I prepare myself for Jesus’ return?
Repent, trust in Jesus, stay connected through prayer and Scripture, live out His teachings, and serve others regularly.
5. What does the Parable of the Ten Virgins teach us about readiness?
It teaches that spiritual preparation is personal and can’t be borrowed. When Jesus returns, only those who are ready will enter with Him.
6. What are the signs of Jesus’ second coming?
Jesus mentioned wars, natural disasters, false prophets, increased wickedness, and the Gospel being preached worldwide (Matthew 24, Luke 21).
7. Did Jesus say when He would return?
No. In Matthew 24:36, He said only the Father knows the day or hour, which is why we must stay spiritually awake at all times.
8. What happens to those who aren’t ready when Jesus returns?
According to Jesus’ parables, those who are unprepared may be left out or judged harshly. His warnings are a call to urgent and faithful living.
9. Is being “ready” just about doing good works?
No. Readiness starts with a relationship with Jesus through faith and is lived out through obedience, not just good behavior.
10. Can I still get ready now, even if I haven’t been living that way?
Absolutely. Jesus always invites people to turn to Him. As long as you’re alive, it’s not too late to start following Him and be ready for His return.
