Signs of Jesus’ Return
The return of Jesus Christ is central to the mission of believers, shaping the hope and expectation of Christ’s followers throughout the centuries. The New Testament presents the second coming not as a distant myth but as a promised event, one that will consummate God’s redemptive plan and usher in the fullness of his kingdom. Yet, the question of the signs preceding Jesus’ return has generated much discussion, debate, and sometimes confusion within the church. This article seeks to examine the biblical data concerning the signs of Jesus’ return, drawing primarily from the teachings of Jesus himself, the apostolic writings, and the broader canonical context. The aim is to provide a balanced, scripturally grounded perspective that neither sensationalizes nor neglects the signs, but rather encourages watchfulness, faithfulness, and hope.
The Olivet Discourse: Jesus’ Foundational Teaching
The most comprehensive teaching of Jesus regarding the signs of his return is found in the Olivet Discourse, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In response to the disciples’ question, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3), Jesus outlines a series of events and conditions that will precede his return.
Jesus warns first against deception: “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matthew 24:4-5). The increase of false messiahs and teachers is a recurring theme, indicating that spiritual deception will intensify as the end approaches. This warning is echoed elsewhere in the New Testament, such as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, where Paul speaks of a coming apostasy and the revelation of the “man of lawlessness.”
Jesus also describes a world marked by turmoil: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:6-7). These phenomena–wars, natural disasters, and social upheaval–are described as “the beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), indicating that they are preliminary signs, not the immediate heralds of Jesus’ return.
Persecution of believers is another sign Jesus highlights: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). The suffering of the faithful is not a sign of God’s absence but a confirmation of the world’s opposition to the gospel. Jesus assures his followers that “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13), valuing perseverance in the face of adversity.
A significant sign mentioned by Jesus is the global proclamation of the gospel: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). The universality of the gospel witness is both a sign and a mission, calling the church to active participation in God’s redemptive plan.
The Great Tribulation
Jesus refers to a specific event known as “the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel” (Matthew 24:15). While the immediate historical context likely refers to the desecration of the Jerusalem temple, Jesus’ words also point forward to a climactic period of tribulation: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be” (Matthew 24:21). This time of unparalleled distress is characterized by intense suffering, deception, and the rise of false prophets and false christs who perform “great signs and wonders” (Matthew 24:24).
The apostle Paul provides further insight into this period in 2 Thessalonians 2, describing the revelation of the “man of lawlessness” who “opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This figure, often identified with the Antichrist, will deceive many and lead a final rebellion against God, but will ultimately be destroyed “by the appearance of [Jesus’] coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
Cosmic Signs and the Coming of the Son of Man
In addition to earthly turmoil, Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances as signs of his imminent return: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). These apocalyptic images, rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature (see, Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:31), signify the dissolution of the present order and the inbreaking of God’s kingdom.
Following these cosmic signs, Jesus declares, “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). The return of Jesus will be visible, unmistakable, and glorious.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the Lord’s descent from heaven “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” The dead in Christ will rise, and believers will be caught up to meet the Lord, inaugurating the final consummation.
The Unpredictability of the Hour
While Jesus provides numerous signs, he also emphasizes the unpredictability of the exact time of his return: “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). This warning is repeated in Mark 13:32 and Acts 1:7, where Jesus tells the disciples, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”
The purpose of the signs, then, is not to enable precise calculation, but to foster a posture of watchfulness and readiness. Jesus uses the analogy of the days of Noah: “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37-39). The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected, catching the unprepared off guard.
**Theological Implications **
The signs of Jesus’ return serve many purposes. First, they affirm God’s sovereignty over history. The unfolding of these events is not random or chaotic, but directed by God’s providential hand. As Jesus says, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). Believers are called to trust in God’s faithfulness, even amid turmoil.
Second, the signs call the church to vigilance and holiness. Jesus repeatedly exhorts his followers to “stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). The anticipation of Jesus’ return is meant to inspire moral seriousness, perseverance in faith, and active engagement in the mission of the gospel.
Third, the signs remind believers that suffering and opposition are not signs of God’s abandonment, but rather opportunities to bear witness to the hope of the gospel. As Paul writes, “For the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Finally, the signs of Jesus’ return point to the ultimate hope of the Christian faith: the renewal of all things, the vindication of the righteous, and the defeat of evil. As John writes in Revelation, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7).
Conclusion
The biblical teaching on the signs of Jesus’ return is both sobering and hope-filled. While the world will experience increasing turmoil, deception, and tribulation, these are not causes for despair but reminders that God’s purposes are moving toward their appointed fulfillment. We are called to live in watchful expectation, grounded in the promises of Scripture and empowered by the Spirit, confident that “he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). In the words of Jesus himself: “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Come, Lord Jesus!