Jesus didn’t leave His return a mystery—He described it with powerful clarity and vivid symbols. From signs like wars, deception, and natural disasters to bold imagery like lightning flashing across the sky and a groom returning for his bride, Jesus gave us both warnings and hope. His return will be visible, global, and sudden. He also made it clear that no one knows the exact time, so the focus isn’t on prediction, but preparation.
Whether you’re curious, uncertain, or longing for clarity, understanding what Jesus said about His return can help you live with confidence and purpose. This isn’t about fear—it’s about staying ready and rooted. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the symbols, parables, and prophecies that explain exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
If you’ve ever read the Bible and wondered what Jesus actually said about His return, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about topics in Christianity. Jesus didn’t just mention it casually—He described it in vivid detail, using rich symbolism and clear prophecy. Understanding what He said can help you be prepared, not confused.
Let’s walk through how Jesus talked about His second coming—what He said, what it means, and how to interpret the symbols He used.
1. Jesus Said He Will Return
First, Jesus made it clear He’s coming back. This isn’t speculation—it’s a promise.
In John 14:3, He says:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
That’s personal. He’s not sending someone else. He’s coming Himself.
2. The Return Will Be Visible and Global
Jesus wasn’t vague about how He’d return. He told His disciples that His return wouldn’t be secret or hidden.
In Matthew 24:27, He says:
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
Think about lightning. It’s impossible to miss. That’s what He’s saying—when He returns, everyone will know.
Key Points:
- No secret rapture: Everyone will see it.
- Sudden and obvious: Like lightning, it won’t be quiet or subtle.
- Universal awareness: Not limited to one region or group.
3. Symbolism in Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus often used symbols and parables when talking about His return. Let’s break down a few of the most important ones.
a) The Fig Tree – Signs of the Times
In Matthew 24:32-33, Jesus says:
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”
What’s He saying? Just like you can tell summer is coming by watching trees, you’ll be able to recognize the signs of His return. These signs include:
- Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
- Famines, earthquakes (24:7)
- Persecution of believers (24:9)
- Widespread deception (24:11)
These aren’t meant to scare you—they’re meant to prepare you.
b) The Bridegroom – Be Ready
In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), Jesus compares Himself to a bridegroom coming for His bride. Five virgins were prepared, and five weren’t. The message is simple: Be ready.
- Keep your lamp (faith) burning.
- Don’t fall asleep spiritually.
- Preparation happens before the return, not during.
c) The Thief in the Night – Unexpected Timing
Jesus said His return would be like a thief in the night.
Matthew 24:43-44:
“If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch… So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
The point? Stay alert. You don’t know when it’s coming, so live like it could be today.
4. Prophetic Timeline in Matthew 24
Matthew 24 is one of the clearest chapters where Jesus outlines the events before His return. Let’s break it down quickly:
| Event | Verse | What it Means |
| Deception by false messiahs | v. 5 | Many will claim to be Christ |
| Wars and rumors of wars | v. 6 | Global conflict increases |
| Natural disasters | v. 7 | Earthquakes, famines grow more frequent |
| Persecution of believers | v. 9 | Christian faith becomes more dangerous to hold |
| Gospel preached worldwide | v. 14 | Everyone will hear before the end comes |
| The “Abomination of Desolation” | v. 15 | A future desecration of the holy place |
| Great tribulation | v. 21 | Unprecedented suffering on earth |
| The return of Christ | v. 30 | “All the tribes of the earth will mourn” |
5. Jesus Described the Sky Splitting Open
One of the most dramatic images Jesus gives is of the sky itself changing at His return.
Matthew 24:30 says:
“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
The use of “clouds” connects to Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven—symbolizing divine authority.
So when Jesus returns, He’s not coming quietly or invisibly. It’s cosmic. It’s glorious. It’s unavoidable.
6. What About Revelation?
Though written by John, the book of Revelation ties directly into Jesus’ words. In fact, Revelation begins with these words from Jesus:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…” (Revelation 1:7)
The symbolism continues throughout the book:
- White horse (Revelation 19:11): Victory and judgment
- Sword from His mouth (19:15): The Word of God
- Eyes like fire (19:12): Piercing judgment and knowledge
- Many crowns: Total authority over all kings and kingdoms
These symbols paint a picture of a righteous King returning to set things right.
7. Jesus Warned Against Date-Setting
A key thing Jesus said about His return is that no one knows the exact day or hour.
Matthew 24:36:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
So if someone tells you they know when Jesus is coming back—don’t believe it. Focus instead on being ready every day.
8. Why This Matters to You
So what’s the takeaway?
Jesus was clear:
- He will return.
- It’ll be global and visible.
- The world will go through birth pains leading up to it.
- His return brings justice and restoration.
- You need to stay ready, not try to predict it.
How to Be Ready
Here’s how you prepare—not by panic, but by living intentionally.
- Stay faithful: Don’t give up even when the world seems dark.
- Watch for signs, but don’t obsess over dates.
- Live as if He’s coming today, but plan like He’s coming in 100 years.
- Keep your relationship with Him strong: prayer, scripture, and community.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t use mysterious language to confuse you. He used vivid symbols to make sure you’d understand. His return isn’t a myth—it’s a promise. And when it happens, it’ll change everything.
So stay awake, stay grounded, and live ready.
“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
If you want to go deeper, read Matthew 24-25, Revelation 19-22, and 1 Thessalonians 4-5. These will give you a full picture of what Jesus and the early church believed about His return.
🔹 FAQs: Symbolism and Prophecy: How Jesus Described His Return
1. What did Jesus say about His return?
Jesus clearly said He would return. In John 14:3, He promised, “I will come again.” He also described how it would happen—visibly, suddenly, and unmistakably, like lightning flashing across the sky (Matthew 24:27).
2. What are the signs Jesus gave before His return?
In Matthew 24, Jesus listed signs like wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, false messiahs, and global preaching of the gospel. These are called “birth pains”—early warnings that His return is approaching.
3. What does the fig tree symbolize in Jesus’ prophecy?
The fig tree in Matthew 24:32–33 symbolizes the ability to recognize the season. Just as budding leaves signal summer, global events will signal that Jesus’ return is near.
4. Will Jesus’ return be secret or visible to everyone?
Jesus made it clear His return will be public and unmistakable. Matthew 24:30 says “all the tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds.” It won’t be hidden or secret.
5. What does Jesus mean by returning “like a thief in the night”?
This phrase from Matthew 24:43-44 means His return will be unexpected. It’s a call to stay alert spiritually, because no one knows the exact time—only the Father does.
6. Why did Jesus use so much symbolism in talking about His return?
Jesus often taught with symbols and parables to reveal deep truths in memorable ways. Symbols like clouds, lightning, and weddings help believers understand the power, timing, and nature of His return.
7. What is the “Abomination of Desolation” Jesus mentioned?
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus refers to a future event where a holy place is desecrated. This points to a specific prophetic moment that signals the start of great tribulation.
8. What role does Revelation play in understanding Jesus’ return?
Revelation expands on what Jesus said, giving powerful imagery of His return (e.g., riding a white horse, wearing many crowns, Revelation 19). It confirms His visible, victorious return as Judge and King.
9. Can we know the exact time of Jesus’ return?
No. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said no one—not even He—knows the day or hour. So the goal is to live ready at all times, not to guess the timeline.
10. How can I prepare for Jesus’ return?
Stay spiritually alert, keep your faith strong, live with integrity, and grow in your relationship with Jesus. Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, be prepared before the moment arrives.
