By Rony Kozman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University
The Return of Jesus
Matthew 24:3–8, 29–32, 42–44
After Jesus died, He was raised from the dead and He ascended to the Father. And Jesus’ disciples eagerly awaited Jesus’ return when God’s kingdom would be fully realized on earth. We also look forward to Jesus’ return. We look forward to the day when evil and suffering are vanquished. We await the day when heaven and earth are united. No more sorrow. No more pain. We await Jesus’ return.
Signs point to the return of Christ. (3–8)
In Matthew 24, the disciples ask Jesus when He will return, and they want a sign: “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (v. 3; NIV). They want to be able to discern the timing of Jesus’ return. Why do they want a sign? Perhaps to alleviate their anxieties about the coming tumultuous time (vv. 1–2). But Jesus does not give them the signs they seek.
Like a weather forecaster who observes satellite images to forecast the coming tornadoes and hurricanes, so also do many believers read Scripture hoping to glimpse the signs of Jesus’ return and of the end times. Jesus says such inquiries are mistaken and lead to deception (v. 4). Many people will claim to be the Messiah who has returned (v. 5, 24). Many false prophets will “perform great signs and wonders to deceive” (v. 24). Jesus warns that quests for signs of the end times are bound to lead them astray. They should be prepared to suffer and to endure (vv. 9, 13) until the gospel is proclaimed in all the earth (v. 14). This mission must happen before the end, and this should consume our attention — not the signs of the end times.
Jesus will visibly return to earth. (29–32)
It is futile to search for a sign of Jesus’ return because Jesus’ return cannot be anticipated. It will come as a flash of lightning (v. 27). The time of Jesus’ return cannot be forecasted. He will come suddenly. In a flash. There is one sure sign that Jesus gives His disciples — His appearing.
And that sign (i.e., Jesus Himself) will come as fast as lightning. Jesus says, “immediately after the distress of those days … then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven” (v. 30). By making His return itself the sign, Jesus removes any gap in time between the sign and Himself. His return cannot be anticipated. He is the sign.
We should be prepared and ready for Christ’s return. (42–44)
Since Jesus’ return cannot be anticipated or discerned by looking for signs, we must be ready at all times. Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected. We must “keep watch” and be ready since we do not know the day of Jesus’ return (v. 42). How can we be ready? By being faithful servants of our Lord Jesus (vv. 45–46) hard at work in His kingdom. May we be faithful servants and stewards of the gifts God has given us. May we eagerly do works of charity and love, so that when Jesus returns we hear Him say “well done, good and faithful servant” (25:21, 23).
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