Understanding the Bible’s teachings about Jesus’ return is crucial for many Christians. It offers hope and a glimpse into the future, assuring believers that Jesus will come back. But where exactly in the Bible does Jesus talk about His return? Let’s dive into the scriptures and explore this important topic together.
Key Scriptures Where Jesus Speaks About His Return
Jesus spoke about His return several times, offering clear signs and instructions for His followers. Let’s look at some of the most significant passages.
1. The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:3-31)
In this passage, Jesus discusses His return in great detail. He talks about the signs of the end times and what believers should expect. Here are some highlights:
- Matthew 24:30-31: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
2. Jesus’ Promise at the Last Supper (John 14:1-3)
During the Last Supper, Jesus reassures His disciples with a promise about His return:
- John 14:2-3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 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.”
3. Jesus’ Response to the High Priest (Mark 14:61-62)
When questioned by the high priest, Jesus directly references His return in a powerful declaration:
- Mark 14:62: “’I am,’ said Jesus. ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
4. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
This parable emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Jesus’ return. It’s a story about ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom, with only five being ready when he arrives.
- Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
The Significance of Jesus’ Return
Understanding why Jesus’ return is significant can help us grasp its importance in Christian faith.
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ return fulfills numerous Old and New Testament prophecies. For example, Daniel 7:13-14 describes a vision of “one like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven, which aligns with Jesus’ own words in the Gospels.
2. Judgment and Redemption
Jesus’ return signifies the final judgment and the redemption of believers. According to Matthew 25:31-46, He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, rewarding those who have followed Him and lived according to His teachings.
3. The Establishment of His Kingdom
Jesus will establish His eternal kingdom upon His return. Revelation 21:1-4 talks about a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people, free from pain and sorrow.
How Should We Live in Light of Jesus’ Return?
Knowing that Jesus will return should influence how we live our lives today. Here’s what the Bible suggests:
1. Be Watchful and Ready
Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance. In Matthew 24:42, He says, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
2. Live a Godly Life
Peter encourages believers to live holy and godly lives as they await Jesus’ return. In 2 Peter 3:11-12, he writes, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
3. Encourage and Strengthen Each Other
Paul advises the Thessalonians to encourage one another with the hope of Jesus’ return. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
4. Spread the Good News
Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs believers to spread His teachings to all nations. Sharing the message of Jesus’ return is part of this mission.
Conclusion
Jesus’ promise to return is a cornerstone of Christian hope and faith. He spoke about it multiple times, giving us clear guidance on how to live as we await His return. By staying vigilant, living godly lives, encouraging one another, and spreading His message, we can be ready for the day He comes back. Remember, while we may not know the exact time, we can live in anticipation and readiness, confident in His promise: He will return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jesus’ Return
1. Where does Jesus talk about His return in the Bible?
Jesus discusses His return in several places, including:
- Matthew 24:30-31: Describes His coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
- John 14:1-3: Promises His disciples that He will return to take them to be with Him.
- Mark 14:62: Declares to the high priest that they will see Him coming on the clouds of heaven.
- Matthew 25:13: Emphasizes the need to be ready because we don’t know the day or hour.
2. Why is Jesus’ return important for Christians?
Jesus’ return is significant because:
- It fulfills Biblical prophecy: Both Old and New Testament prophecies speak of His second coming.
- It signals judgment and redemption: Jesus will judge the living and the dead and redeem those who have followed Him.
- It establishes His eternal kingdom: Revelation speaks of a new heaven and earth where Jesus will reign forever.
3. What should believers do to prepare for Jesus’ return?
Believers should:
- Stay watchful and ready: Jesus warns to always be prepared for His return.
- Live godly lives: Following Jesus’ teachings and living holy lives is crucial.
- Encourage one another: Supporting and strengthening each other with the hope of His return.
- Share the Gospel: Spreading the message of Jesus’ return and His teachings to all nations.
4. When will Jesus return?
According to Matthew 24:36, Jesus said that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, not even the angels or Himself, but only the Father. Therefore, predicting the exact time is impossible.
5. What are the signs of Jesus’ return?
Jesus outlines various signs in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, such as:
- Wars and rumors of wars.
- Natural disasters like earthquakes.
- The rise of false prophets.
- Persecution of believers. However, He cautions against using these signs to predict the exact time of His return.
6. What happens to believers when Jesus returns?
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 explains that when Jesus returns:
- The dead in Christ will rise first.
- Believers who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord.
7. How can we be sure Jesus will return?
The certainty of Jesus’ return is based on His promises recorded in the Bible and the consistency of prophecies fulfilled in His first coming. Scriptures like John 14:3 and Acts 1:11 affirm His promise to return.
8. What does Jesus’ return mean for non-believers?
For non-believers, Jesus’ return signifies judgment. Matthew 25:31-46 describes how Jesus will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, with the unrighteous facing eternal punishment. It’s a call to repentance and faith in Jesus.
9. What does the Bible say about false claims of Jesus’ return?
Jesus warns in Matthew 24:23-26 about false claims regarding His return. He says that false messiahs and prophets will appear and perform signs to deceive, but His true return will be unmistakable and visible to all.
10. Why do we need to share the message of Jesus’ return?
Sharing the message of Jesus’ return is part of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It’s an essential aspect of Christian faith, offering hope and calling others to repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
11. How does Jesus’ return relate to the end times?
Jesus’ return is a central event in end-time prophecies. It marks the culmination of history and the beginning of His eternal reign. The Bible describes various events leading up to His return, often referred to as the “signs of the times.”
12. What should we do if we feel anxious about Jesus’ return?
Feeling anxious about Jesus’ return is natural, but the Bible encourages us to find peace in His promises. Philippians 4:6-7 advises us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
These FAQs should help clarify common questions about Jesus’ return, providing a deeper understanding and practical guidance on how to live in anticipation of this significant event.
