Jesus’ return, often called the Second Coming, is a major theme in the Gospels—and Jesus Himself gave clear, direct teaching about it. In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, He outlines the signs to watch for, warns about deception, and emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually ready. Contrary to popular assumptions, Jesus says that wars, disasters, and persecution are not signs that the end is happening right now, but part of a larger pattern—what He calls “birth pains.” He also makes it clear that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, not even Himself.
The key message is simple but powerful: stay faithful, stay alert, and don’t get distracted by hype or fear. Jesus’ return will be unmistakable when it happens, and your job is to be prepared, not to predict. If you’ve ever been confused about what the Bible really says on this topic, this guide walks you through it verse by verse to cut through the noise. Keep reading to explore each passage in detail and get the clarity you need.
The return of Jesus—often called the Second Coming—is one of the most talked-about and debated topics in Christianity. But what did Jesus Himself say about it? If you’re trying to make sense of His words in the Gospels, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through what Jesus actually said, verse by verse, in a way that’s clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
We’ll focus mainly on three key passages:
- Matthew 24
- Mark 13
- Luke 21
These chapters are often called the “Olivet Discourse” because Jesus delivered them on the Mount of Olives. He spoke directly to His disciples, giving them a glimpse of what was to come—for them, and for the world.
1. The Disciples’ Big Question (Matthew 24:3)
“Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)
This sets the stage. The disciples had just heard Jesus predict the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:2), which blew their minds. Naturally, they wanted to know when and how these things would happen.
But notice: they thought the destruction of the Temple and Jesus’ return would happen at the same time. Jesus’ answer shows there’s more to it.
2. Warning About Deception (Matthew 24:4–5; Mark 13:5–6; Luke 21:8)
“Watch out that no one deceives you.”
“Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
Jesus starts by warning them—not about timelines, but about deception. He says people will claim to be Him or speak for Him. This already started in the early church and continues today.
Key takeaway:
Don’t fall for self-proclaimed messiahs or people claiming insider knowledge of the Second Coming. If someone tells you “Jesus is back and He’s in Texas,” don’t pack your bags.
3. Signs of Trouble, But Not the End (Matthew 24:6–8)
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… but the end is still to come.”
“Nation will rise against nation… There will be famines and earthquakes… These are the beginning of birth pains.”
These aren’t signs that the end is here. They’re just early warnings. Jesus compares them to birth pains—they signal something is coming, but not immediately.
Important note:
People often point to wars or disasters as “proof” that Jesus is returning now. Jesus says don’t jump to conclusions.
4. Persecution and Endurance (Matthew 24:9–13)
Jesus tells His disciples they’ll be hated, persecuted, even killed. Many will fall away. False prophets will lead people astray. Love will grow cold.
“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
This isn’t just end-time drama—it started happening shortly after Jesus’ resurrection and still happens today. He’s telling believers to hold on and stay faithful.
5. The Gospel Goes Global (Matthew 24:14)
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world… and then the end will come.”
This verse is crucial. The return of Jesus is tied to the global spread of the Gospel. That’s a clear, measurable event. And with today’s technology, we’re closer than ever.
6. The “Abomination of Desolation” (Matthew 24:15–22)
This phrase comes from Daniel 9:27. Jesus says:
“When you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand…”
In 70 AD, Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. Many scholars believe this event partially fulfilled Jesus’ warning. But some think there’s more to come.
Either way, Jesus says when this happens, flee immediately. This was real, practical advice for His followers at the time.
7. Cosmic Signs and the Coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:29–31)
“Immediately after the distress of those days… the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall… Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven…”
Now we’re getting to Jesus’ actual return. He describes global, unmistakable signs—darkened skies, cosmic shifts, and the gathering of believers.
“And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
This isn’t symbolic or hidden. When Jesus comes back, everyone will know.
8. Learn from the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32–35)
Jesus gives a simple parable:
“When its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.”
In other words, watch for signs, but don’t obsess. You can know something’s approaching without knowing the exact hour.
“This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (Matthew 24:34)
This line sparks debate. Some say “this generation” referred to the people alive in Jesus’ day—meaning the destruction of the Temple. Others think it means the generation that sees the final signs will witness His return.
9. No One Knows the 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.”
This is critical. If someone gives you a specific date for Jesus’ return, you can confidently ignore it.
10. Stay Ready (Matthew 24:42–44)
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Jesus ends this teaching with a simple command: Be ready. Not panicked. Not obsessed. Just faithful, awake, and prepared.
Summary of Jesus’ Return, According to the Gospels
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Jesus teaches:
| Key Theme | What Jesus Said |
| Deception | Many false teachers will come |
| Birth Pains | Wars, famines, and disasters are not the end |
| Persecution | Expect hardship, stay faithful |
| Gospel Preached | The end follows global evangelism |
| Abomination of Desolation | A specific event that signals major change |
| Cosmic Signs | Clear, dramatic indicators of His return |
| His Return | Visible, unmistakable, global |
| The Date | Unknown to all but the Father |
| Our Role | Stay awake, stay ready |
What Should You Do Now?
Knowing all this, how should you live?
- Don’t speculate about dates or get caught up in conspiracy theories.
- Be discerning about who you listen to. Stick to Scripture.
- Live ready. That means walking closely with Jesus every day.
- Share the Gospel—it’s part of the mission that leads to His return.
- Have hope. His return isn’t scary if you belong to Him. It’s the fulfillment of everything He promised.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t give us a countdown clock. He gave us instructions for living faithfully while we wait. If you’re watching the news wondering “Is this it?”, remember what Jesus said: “Do not be alarmed… the end is still to come.”
Stay alert. Stay grounded. And keep your eyes on Him.
If you found this helpful, share it or bookmark it for your own study. Keep digging into Scripture—you’ll find that the more you understand what Jesus actually said, the less confusion you’ll face.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a PDF study guide of this breakdown.
FAQs – Understanding Jesus’ Return in the Gospels: A Verse-by-Verse Guide
1. What does “Understanding Jesus’ Return in the Gospels” really mean?
It means taking a close, verse-by-verse look at what Jesus Himself said about His return in the Gospels—primarily in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21—so we understand the signs, timing, and purpose of His Second Coming.
2. What key passages talk about Jesus’ return in the Gospels?
The main sections are Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. These are known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus answers questions from His disciples about the end times and His coming.
3. According to the Gospels, will Jesus’ return be secret or public?
It’ll be public and unmistakable. Jesus said, “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). Everyone will know when it happens.
4. What signs did Jesus give in the Gospels before His return?
He mentioned false prophets, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, and the global preaching of the Gospel—all leading up to His visible return. These are described as “birth pains,” not the final moment.
5. What does “no one knows the day or hour” mean in context?
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus clearly states that no one—not even the angels or the Son—knows when He will return. Anyone who sets a date is going against what Jesus said.
6. Did Jesus say His return would happen during the disciples’ lifetime?
He said, “This generation will not pass away until all these things have happened” (Matthew 24:34). This could refer to the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD or the final generation alive at the end. Scholars differ, but both interpretations have biblical support.
7. What’s the “Abomination of Desolation” that Jesus mentioned?
It refers to a future defilement of the Temple, originally prophesied in Daniel. Many believe it partially happened in 70 AD when Rome destroyed the Temple, and may have a future fulfillment as well.
8. What role does the Gospel play in Jesus’ return, according to the Gospels?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 that the Gospel would be preached to all nations “and then the end will come.” Global evangelism is a key milestone in God’s timeline.
9. How can I stay ready for Jesus’ return, based on the Gospels?
Stay faithful, don’t be deceived, live obediently, and keep your spiritual life strong. Jesus’ main point was: “Keep watch… be ready” (Matthew 24:42–44).
10. Why should I read a verse-by-verse guide to Jesus’ return in the Gospels?
Because there’s so much confusion, and Jesus’ own words are often misquoted or taken out of context. A verse-by-verse guide helps you understand what He actually said, clearly and accurately.
