Matthew 24:29–31, 36–51
By Luke Sills
Few topics capture the imagination of Christians like the end times. Ever since Jesus ascended into heaven, believers have wondered when He will return. Throughout history, people have predicted dates, written books, and even built movements around their calculations. Yet every single prediction has shared one thing in common — Christ did not return.
From a Roman clergyman in the 3rd century predicting A.D. 500, to Harold Camping’s billboard campaign in 2011, the pattern is the same: men speculate, time passes, and the world continues. Each false prediction not only disappoints but also brings disrepute to the faith. Jesus could not have been clearer when He said:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
As theologian R.T. France observed, “In view of such plain statements as this, it is astonishing that some Christians can still attempt to work out the date of the parousia!” And William Barclay didn’t mince words, calling such speculation “nothing less than blasphemy, for the man who so speculates is seeking to wrestle from God secrets which belong to God alone.”
The lesson is clear: rather than speculating about when Christ will return, we are called to be ready.
The Main Idea
No man knows the time or hour when Jesus will return; therefore, we must always be ready to do the work of the Lord.
1. The Return of Jesus Will Be Obvious, but Unexpected
Jesus describes His return in vivid, unmistakable terms:
“The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven…” (Matthew 24:29)
This will not be a quiet event hidden in a corner of the earth. It will be cosmic, glorious, and undeniable. Every eye will see Him. Every heart will know that the King has come.
As J.C. Ryle said, “The second personal coming of Christ will be as different as possible from the first.” He came first in humility — born in a manger, despised and rejected. But He will come again in power and great glory. The same Jesus who once wore a crown of thorns will return wearing the crown of the universe.
2. The Return of Jesus Should Lead Us to Readiness
Jesus follows His prophecy with several examples designed to shake us awake.
He recalls the days of Noah — days full of noise, feasting, and wedding celebrations. The world went on as usual, unaware that judgment was coming. Meanwhile, Noah — alone in obedience — built the ark in faith.
Noah didn’t wait for rain clouds before he believed God. He trusted God’s Word and acted on it. That’s readiness.
“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen… constructed an ark for the saving of his household.” (Hebrews 11:7)
When Jesus returns, it won’t be time to start building — it will be time to board the ark. Now is the time to believe, repent, and prepare.
Then Jesus gives another image — workers in the field and women at the mill. Both groups are living their normal lives, but suddenly, one is taken and one is left. The point isn’t whether they go up or stay behind — the point is readiness. Those who are ready are not idle; they are faithful in the ordinary.
Being ready for Jesus’ return means being faithful today — at work, at home, in your neighborhood. The faithful servant is found doing what his Master asked, not staring at the sky or wasting time in speculation.
3. Readiness Means Living Faithfully Until He Comes
Jesus also tells the story of two servants. One continues his work faithfully while the master is away. The other grows careless, saying, “My master is delayed.” He begins mistreating others and living for himself.
That’s where spiritual decay begins — not with open rebellion, but quiet indifference.
The moment we think, “I’ve got time… I’ll get serious later…” is the moment compromise begins.
When the master returns unexpectedly, it’s too late. The unfaithful servant is cut off and placed with the hypocrites — those who looked religious but lived for themselves. Jesus says there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” That’s not poetic language — that’s eternal regret.
But for the faithful, there’s blessing:
“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:46)
When Jesus returns, He will not bless the one who guessed the timing but the one who was faithful in the waiting — serving, loving, giving, and obeying until He comes.
4. How Christ Fulfills This Text
Every word Jesus spoke about His return finds its foundation in His own life, death, and resurrection.
- In His Death, Jesus endured the very judgment He warned about. The darkness, the shaking earth, the divine wrath — He took it all upon Himself. The cross was the first tremor of final judgment, and there, mercy triumphed over wrath.
- In His Resurrection, He proved that readiness is not in vain. The same Jesus who obeyed in faith was vindicated by the Father. His resurrection is the guarantee that faithfulness now will be rewarded forever.
- In His Return, He will complete what He began. The One who came in humility will come again in majesty. Every eye will see Him, and He will set all things right. For those who believe, that day will not be one of fear, but of joy.
5. Are You Ready?
When Jesus returns, there will be no time to prepare — only time to reveal whether you were ready.
If you have not trusted in Christ for salvation, hear this: you are not ready. Like those in Noah’s day, you may be living life unaware of what’s coming. But there is still time to turn to Him in repentance and faith. Call on the name of the Lord and be saved.
For the believer, readiness means faithful, daily obedience. Adrian Rogers once said, “Christians should live as if Jesus died this morning, rose this afternoon, and is coming this evening.” That’s the kind of urgency that should mark our lives.
Jonathan Edwards lived with that same focus. Among his resolutions were these:
“Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
Resolved, to inquire every night wherein I have been negligent or sinned, and how I might have done better.
Resolved, to act as I should do if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and the torments of hell.”
Those are the words of a man who lived ready.
So let me ask you: Are you ready?
Are you living with urgency, faithfulness, and expectation?
When Christ returns — whether today or a thousand years from now — may He find you faithful, awake, and doing what He has called you to do.
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)