In the Gospel of Matthew, especially chapter 24, Jesus clearly teaches about His return, known as the Second Coming. He describes visible signs like wars, natural disasters, and widespread deception leading up to a powerful, unmistakable return where every eye will see Him. Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact day or hour—not even Himself while on earth—so staying watchful and faithful is crucial. Other parts of Matthew, like chapters 16 and 25, also highlight His coming in glory to judge and reward people.
Understanding these teachings helps you grasp the urgency of being ready and living a life that reflects your faith. Jesus wants you prepared, not caught off guard. If you’re curious about the details behind these signs and what they mean for you today, keep reading for a deeper dive into this vital topic.
If you’ve ever asked, “Where in the Gospel of Matthew does Jesus talk about coming back?”—you’re not alone. The return of Jesus, often called the Second Coming, is one of the most anticipated events in Christian theology. And the Gospel of Matthew includes some of the clearest and most direct teachings from Jesus Himself about His return.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly where to look in Matthew, what Jesus said, and what it means for you today.
1. The Key Chapter: Matthew 24
The main place where Jesus talks about His return in Matthew is chapter 24. It’s part of what’s often called the Olivet Discourse, named after the Mount of Olives, where Jesus delivered this teaching.
The Setting
Jesus had just left the temple in Jerusalem. His disciples pointed out the buildings, and Jesus made a shocking prediction:
“Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” — Matthew 24:2 (NIV)
Naturally, the disciples had questions. So they asked:
“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
That’s when Jesus launched into a detailed explanation about what to expect before His return.
2. Signs of the End Times (Matthew 24:4–14)
Jesus started by warning against deception:
“Watch out that no one deceives you.” — Matthew 24:4
He described a series of global events:
- False messiahs will appear (v. 5)
- Wars and rumors of wars (v. 6)
- Nation will rise against nation (v. 7)
- Famines and earthquakes (v. 7)
- Persecution of believers (v. 9)
- Widespread betrayal and hatred (v. 10)
- False prophets leading many astray (v. 11)
- Love growing cold because of wickedness (v. 12)
He summed it up by saying:
“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
3. The Big Statement: Jesus Will Return (Matthew 24:27–31)
Here’s the clearest declaration from Jesus about His return:
“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” — Matthew 24:27
He makes it absolutely clear—His return will be visible, powerful, and unmistakable. It won’t be secret or quiet. Everyone will see it.
Then He describes what happens next:
Immediately After the Tribulation (v. 29–31)
- The sun will be darkened, the moon won’t give its light, and the stars will fall.
- Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.
- All peoples of the earth will mourn when they see Jesus coming on the clouds.
- He’ll send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, gathering His elect from all over the earth.
This passage is often compared with Revelation 1:7, which says:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him.”
4. No One Knows the Day or Hour (Matthew 24:36)
Now here’s a critical piece of the puzzle. After describing all these signs, Jesus says:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This means you won’t find an exact date for His return in the Bible—because Jesus didn’t give one. He wants us to stay ready at all times, not try to predict it.
5. Be Ready: Parables and Warnings (Matthew 24:42–51)
To drive His point home, Jesus tells a series of mini-parables and warnings:
- Be watchful: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42
- Be faithful: He talks about a servant who’s doing his job when the master returns. That servant is rewarded. But the one who gets lazy or abusive is punished.
Jesus is emphasizing readiness and faithfulness. His return will happen, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
6. Other References in Matthew
Besides chapter 24, there are a few more verses where Jesus talks about returning:
Matthew 16:27
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”
Here, Jesus connects His return with judgment and reward.
Matthew 25:31–46 (The Sheep and the Goats)
This is another powerful picture of the return:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.” — Matthew 25:31
He then separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, representing judgment and eternal destiny.
7. What It Means for You
So what should you take away from all this? Here are the basics:
1. Jesus Will Come Back
He said it multiple times in Matthew. His return is guaranteed.
2. It’ll Be Obvious
No guesswork. No secret return. Everyone will see it.
3. No One Knows When
Not the angels, not even Jesus while on earth—only the Father.
4. Be Ready
Live like He could return at any time. Be faithful, stay alert, and don’t get distracted.
Summary: Quick References in Matthew
Here’s a list of the key verses in Matthew where Jesus talks about His return:
| Verse | Description |
| Matthew 16:27 | Return in glory with judgment |
| Matthew 24:3–31 | Signs of His coming, visible return |
| Matthew 24:36 | No one knows the day or hour |
| Matthew 24:42–51 | Be ready and watchful |
| Matthew 25:31–46 | Return for final judgment (Sheep and Goats) |
Final Thoughts
Jesus didn’t leave us in the dark about His return. He gave clear signs, told us what to expect, and urged us to stay ready. Matthew’s Gospel is one of the best places to study this, especially chapter 24.
If you’re wondering how to prepare, it’s simple: trust in Him, follow His teaching, love others, and stay faithful. He will return—just as He said.
“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20
And our response? “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
FAQs: Where in Matthew Does Jesus Say He Will Return?
1. Where exactly in Matthew does Jesus say He will return?
Jesus talks about His return primarily in Matthew 24, often called the Olivet Discourse. He also mentions it in Matthew 16:27 and Matthew 25:31–46.
2. What does Jesus say about His return in Matthew 24?
In Matthew 24, Jesus describes signs before His return, like wars, natural disasters, and deception, and says His coming will be visible and unmistakable to everyone.
3. Does Jesus give a specific date for His return in Matthew?
No. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus clearly says that no one knows the day or hour—not even Himself—only the Father.
4. What signs will happen before Jesus returns according to Matthew?
Signs include false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, betrayal, and love growing cold (Matthew 24:4–14).
5. Will Jesus’ return be secret or visible?
Jesus’ return will be visible to all, like lightning flashing across the sky, and accompanied by angels and a loud trumpet call (Matthew 24:27, 30–31).
6. What does Jesus say about how we should live while waiting for His return?
He urges believers to stay watchful, ready, and faithful at all times since no one knows exactly when He will come (Matthew 24:42–44).
7. Is judgment connected to Jesus’ return in Matthew?
Yes. Matthew 16:27 and Matthew 25:31–46 link Jesus’ return with final judgment, where He separates people based on their deeds.
8. What is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 24–25, given on the Mount of Olives, where He explains end-time events and His return.
9. Why is it important to know where Jesus says He will return in Matthew?
Knowing these passages helps you understand biblical prophecy, stay spiritually prepared, and avoid being misled by false predictions.
10. How can I prepare for Jesus’ return as described in Matthew?
Stay faithful, live according to Jesus’ teachings, be watchful, love others, and trust in His promises. Preparation means readiness, not fear.
