How soon will Jesus be returning?

I have lived in various places throughout my life, but the majority of my years have been spent in the state of Pennsylvania.  There are a lot of things I enjoy about our state and a few things I would certainly change if I had the opportunity to do so (primarily regarding taxation).

 One thing I regularly hear people express appreciation for when they’re in Pennsylvania is the changing seasons.  I’d be perfectly fine if it remained warm all year long, but I will admit that the early to middle days of autumn can be particularly beautiful.  The changing leaves and their bright colors are often beautiful and even have a pleasant smell.  The only downside to seeing those leaves change, in my opinion, is the fact that they remind me of the coming arrival of winter.  I like winter about as much as I enjoy a hang nail or a headache.

 When Jesus informed Peter, James, John, and Andrew about His future return, he shared many details with them about what to expect.  He told them about future conflicts and a severe season of tribulation unlike the world has ever experienced.  Ultimately, it was His desire that they pass this information along to others as well, which they certainly did.  He also shared with them a brief parable about the fig tree and some of the lessons they could learn from observing one as they waited for the fulfillment of what Jesus prophesied.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  (Mark 13:28-31)

 Fig trees were common in the region in which these men lived.  Jesus told them that fig trees start to make the arrival of the summer season obvious.  The branches become tender and leaves begin appearing.  In the same way, the events that Jesus listed in the previous sections of Mark 13 gave a similar indication of impending activity.  Jesus explained that when the events and occurrences He described begin taking place, that would be a strong indicator that His return was approaching quickly.

 Jesus also mentioned that the generation of people alive at the time would not pass away until all these things took place.  People often wonder what He meant by that statement.  Some speculate that Jesus was speaking of the generation of people who were living at the time He made this statement.  These were people who would see the desecration of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem.  In one respect, I do believe Jesus was speaking to these people and giving them words of caution that referred to the severe conflict that occurred between the Roman army and the Jews in AD 70.

 I also believe these were prophetic words that had a long-term view in mind.  The events that occurred in that generation foreshadowed a similar, but more severe season of tribulation that a future generation would endure.  These were prophetic words that I believe Jesus spoke for the benefit of both generations; the generation living at the time of His first coming and the generation that would be alive when He returns.

 In speaking of the severity of the future season of tribulation that will be coming upon this earth, Jesus mentioned that heaven and earth will pass away.  We see references to that elsewhere in Scripture.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”  (Revelation 21:1)

 While it’s true that the present heaven and earth will one day pass away, we’re also assured that they will be made new and will no longer be subjected to the effects of sin or the curse that was placed upon this earth when Adam rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden.

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  (Revelation 21:5)

 That being said, Jesus also assured his disciples that even in the midst of great turmoil and upheaval, there’s something important that would never change or pass away.  Jesus made it clear to them that, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31).  His word stands forever.  He spoke creation into existence by His powerful word.  He sustains creation by His word as well.  His word existed before creation and its power and efficacy cannot be diminished no matter what takes place on this planet.

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”  (Hebrews 1:3)

 I take great comfort in the words Jesus spoke in this passage.  This world often feels disjointed to me.  It’s easy to live on the edge of our seats perpetually, wondering what’s going to happen next or what the news is going to report on that might get the entire population upset.  But the words of Jesus comfort me and give me reassurance that everything is going to come together perfectly in the Father’s ideal timing. 

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.”  (Mark 13:32-33)

 I’m convinced that one of the secrets to productivity is operating on a closely regulated schedule.  There are plenty of people who have no desire to live that way, but I find it enjoyable and a stress relief when I’m able to plan out my week and then keep to that plan.  It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that I have every single day of my week thought through, and I know which hours I will be working on the specific tasks I need to accomplish ahead of time.

 God is not a haphazard being.  He has a perfect plan and the timing of when He chooses to do what He’s doing in this world is ideal.  He planned when we would be born.  He has ordained the exact number of days we will walk this earth.  God the Father sent Jesus the Son into this world at the exact right time to atone for the sins of humanity and provide redemption for His people.  He has also foreordained the day when Jesus will return.

 In John 10:30, Jesus also said, “I and the Father are one.”  So if He is one with the Father, the same in essence and purpose, why did Jesus say that only the Father knows the exact day of the Son’s return?  Jesus even stressed that the angels did not know when His return would be.  Does it strike you as odd that Jesus didn’t know that information?

 When Jesus came to earth and became a man, He didn’t stop being God.  He is 100% God and 100% man at the same time and will remain so for all eternity, yet when He came to this earth the first time, He did so with humility.  Jesus was born as a little infant and took the form of a servant during His earthly ministry.  He allowed people to question, criticize, and kill Him.  For a brief season, His full glory was veiled and He chose not to use the divine attribute of omniscience independently of the Father and the Holy Spirit.

 That’s a matter of theology that many Christians may not be aware of, but the word of God makes that clear (Philippians 2).  So, while it was true that during Christ’s first appearance, His omniscience was veiled, I believe it’s likewise true that Jesus who has returned to His glorified state, is fully aware of the timing of His return. 

 While God is fully aware of the day He has decreed for these things to take place, we have not been made aware of when that day will be.  There have been all kinds of people who have foolishly attempted to predict when Jesus will return.  Thus far, they’ve all been wrong, and that will continue to be the case because the Lord hasn’t revealed that information to man.  What He has told us, however, is to be ready for His return to happen at any moment.  We live in a perpetual state of eager expectation for the return of Jesus.  And while we wait for His return, we do the work He has given us to do.

“It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”  (Mark 13:34-37)

 Although I didn’t always realize it at the time, one of the best and most formative experiences of my life was the privilege I had to grow up working in my father’s grocery store.  His store was on Cedar Ave. in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and I was frequently required to work there (whether I wanted to or not).

 I’ll never forget one evening when I was tasked with sweeping and mopping the entire store after it closed.  When the doors were locked, my father said, “I want this entire place mopped.  I want you to use scalding hot water, and I want the floors to sparkle.  I need to leave, but I’ll be back soon and you better be finished by the time I return.”

 I was under the impression that I had about one hour to get the job done, but I wasn’t certain how exact that timing would be.  I also knew that my father had a long day and didn’t want to stay at the store any longer than was necessary, so he wasn’t going to be too happy with me if I wasn’t finished with the task by the time he returned.  Thankfully, I was nearly finished when he came back.  When he walked inside, he saw me working and was pleased to discover that I was almost done with the work he had instructed me to do.

 Jesus has work for us to do as well.  He told us to “stay awake” while we await His return so we won’t be found sleeping.  The mission He has entrusted to us begins with us entrusting every aspect of our lives to His lordship.  As we entrust ourselves to Him, He has commissioned us to tell others about Him and make the good news of His gift of salvation known where it is presently unknown.  As the people we speak to come to faith in Him, He has told us to stay invested in their lives, teaching them His word and what it actually looks like to live as His obedient disciples in this world. 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)

 That’s the mission Jesus has entrusted to everyone who calls upon His name for salvation.  The Father is directing us in this task and the Holy Spirit is empowering the steps we take.  While we wait for Jesus to return, we have been given the privilege to participate in His unfolding plan to rescue and redeem this fallen world.

© John Stange, 2024