SESSION 3
Watch for Christ’s Return
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly in a crowd?
THE POINT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it.
THE PASSAGE
Matthew 24:23-31
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
I have fond memories of summers growing up. I played outside most of the day with neighborhood friends. One place we lived was near a creek beside some woods. My friends and I would be gone for hours playing in that creek.
My mother had a recognizable southern accent. When it was time for dinner, you could hear all the neighborhood mothers out on their porches calling for their kids. No matter how far down the creek I was, I could always hear Mom’s strong, distinctive voice call my name. There was no mistaking her voice or her call to me.
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. It will be obvious! While we will not be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. I did not always want to come in from playing when my mother called, but when Jesus returns, I’ll gladly welcome that moment to “go home” and be with Him. In Matthew 24, Jesus told us what that day will be like.
MATTHEW 24:23-25
23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it.
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
25 Take note: I have told you in advance.
KEY WORDS: False messiahs (v. 24)—Refers to imposters who claim to be the Jewish messiah. Jesus associated them with the fall of Jerusalem, but they still appear occasionally in history.
False prophets (v. 24)—Those who falsely claim to be speaking a word from God. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles often warned against counterfeit prophets.
Matthew gave us a great reminder that the true Messiah’s coming will not be secret or hidden. His coming will not be seen by only a select group; it will be visible to all. That’s why we should never take seriously someone who says, “See, here is the Messiah!” Christ taught us to beware of all the claims about His identity and His whereabouts, no matter how compelling they may sound.
Most of us would extend a warning to anyone we see in danger, but we would especially warn those we love and care about. Christ cares deeply for us. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (Matt. 24:22). Now we read that Jesus warned them of the danger of being deceived by false religious peddlers. We should always hear the love of God in His warnings.
Jesus warned of both “false messiahs” and “false prophets.” What is the difference in these two groups? False messiahs are those who claim to be the Christ—the anointed one from God. False prophets are those who claim to have truth revealed to them by God (possibly in a hoax that supports one of the false messiahs). These false messiahs and false prophets are convincingly deceptive because they supposedly back up their claims by performing “great signs and wonders to lead astray.” These false leaders will be mimicking their leader: the antichrist. “And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18). Unfortunately, miracles are a part of their deception. “The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie, and with every wicked deception among those who are perishing” (2 Thess. 2:9-10a).
This means that we should be careful not to automatically attribute all miraculous works to the Lord. It is possible for something to be both miraculous and evil. This is nothing new. When Moses stood before Pharaoh calling for the release of God’s people, Pharaoh’s magicians mimicked many of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed (Ex. 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People would not be so easily deceived if Satan came as the cartoonish devil with horns and a pitchfork. Instead, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. They will attempt “to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord. As Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And now we see that, while believers are not immune to the attacks of false messiahs, God will protect them from full-fledged apostasy. God’s elect can be tempted and tortured. They may even be put to death, but they will not fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. Peter told us in 1 Peter 1:5 that, “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Question 2:
What are some ways to guard against spiritual deception?
MATTHEW 24:26-29
26 So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28 Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.
29 “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
KEY WORDS: Son of Man (v. 27)—An Old Testament messianic term (Dan. 7:13) used as a divine title by Jesus, applying it to Himself.
Christ continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I am teaching you now, not to anything else you will hear or see. Don’t listen, no matter how fascinating the message and signs may seem to be. Don’t chase after any of these rumors.”
So many tragedies would never have happened if people had taken seriously the truth of this verse. There would have been no Jonestown massacre, Branch Davidians, or Heaven’s Gate. These people died because they listened to Jim Jones, David Koresh, or Marshall Applewhite give their versions of “ ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ … or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ ” If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom or has a fresh new revelation from God, always refuse to give him a hearing.
The Messiah is not found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. We don’t have to go somewhere; instead, He will be coming to us, returning in a way that will be obvious and memorable. Christ gave an unmistakable picture: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
When we hear thunder or see lightning in the sky, we do not usually wonder what it is. That’s what Jesus wanted to make clear. We will not wonder what is happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it! Jesus’ return will be sudden and visible.
Jesus then added a seemingly out-of-place statement: “ ‘Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’ ” Many of us have driven past roadkill and seen buzzards devouring the carcass. It’s not clear exactly what Jesus meant by this illustration, but perhaps it is simply that people will be drawn to see the return of Christ even as vultures are drawn to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The return of Christ will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies—or at least manipulations of their appearance. These signs in the sky will be such that all people of earth can see them and realize the end is at hand and Christ is returning. If only one of these signs were given, someone might try to explain it away as an eclipse or a meteor shower. But all of them occurring together can only be caused by the hand of God. Old Testament prophets previously had foreseen these signs in connection with God’s final judgment (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Ezek. 32:7-8).
These images and prophecies contain an unspoken lesson for us: we must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ. Follow Him now—and keep your eyes on Him.
Question 3:
What are some ways creation announces truths about God today?
MATTHEW 24:30-31
30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Just as the disciples’ hearts must have trembled at Jesus’ description of suffering during this period, they also must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. Jesus ended His descriptions of darkness to announce: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.” Jesus’ personal, physical return will be the ultimate sign for humanity to behold.
One day He will return in glory and splendor, and His greatness and glory will be overwhelming to all. His righteous character will be so piercing that “all the peoples of the earth will mourn.” His arrival will be terrifying to all the people on earth, particularly for those who oppose him. They will mourn because Jesus’ coming implies their judgment. In the opening of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). We receive comfort when we rightly mourn. It is wise for us to see and acknowledge our sin so that we can grieve over it. Mourning leads us to repentance and confession, and if we mourn over our sin now, we will not need to be among those who mourn when Christ returns.
DIGGING DEEPER
He’s Coming Again
See the article to learn more about Jesus’ return.
Jesus used a reference from Daniel 7:13 to describe His return on the clouds: “Suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.” Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement (Ps. 104:3; Isa. 19:1), so Jesus’ declaration that He would be “coming on the clouds of heaven” affirms His divine nature. Whether these clouds are natural or supernatural, Jesus will utilize them to display His divine majesty.
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. Christ came with frail humiliation in the incarnation in Bethlehem. At that time, only a few were aware of the significance of this birth to an unknown couple in an obscure village. But when Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His.
God’s power will be necessary in His return, because His coming at that time will involve the defeat and conquest of all His enemies. “A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty” (Rev. 19:15). In His power, Christ will redeem His people and establish His perfect rule on earth. With that power comes His glory. God’s glory is essentially the total manifestation of all His perfection.
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Christ refers to these messengers as “his angels,” another fact that shows us Christ is God. God’s angels are Jesus’ angels. Because the “good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations” (Matt. 24:14), Jesus will use the angels as “harvesters” of the faithful.
Trumpets were commonly used to herald the coming of the king with great acclamation, and the return of Jesus—the King of kings—will be announced “with a loud trumpet.” This likely referred to a shophar trumpet made from a ram’s horn, which was used to signal Jewish Sabbaths and feasts. It was also used to gather the Lord’s people together, as when Yahweh made His fearful appearance on Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16-20) and when the worshipers gathered on the mountain in Jerusalem (Isa. 27:13). Paul also referred to the blast of a trumpet to gather God’s people at the return of Christ (1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16).
Question 4:
What does the description of Jesus’ return in these verses teach us?
We do not know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, we’ll know it. Everyone will know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. It will mean Christ has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
How does Jesus’ imminent return give you hope?
ENGAGE
Let this exercise help you to gain a perspective on living today with the end in mind.
What would I do today if I knew that Christ would return tomorrow?
LIVE IT OUT
Reflect. Take a moment and reflect on your life. Ask yourself, “are you ready for Christ’s return?” Spend some time in prayer asking God how you can be more prepared for His return.
Remember. One way we can guard ourselves from false teachers is by knowing what the Bible says. Spend some time this week reading and memorizing Scripture.
Realize. The return of Christ is joyfully anticipated by believers but it will be a day of judgment for non-believers. Who do you know that doesn’t know Christ? Pray for their salvation.
HE’S COMING AGAIN!
By M. Dean Register
The return of Christ is a compelling and captivating truth the New Testament frequently emphasized. Twenty-three of the twenty-seven New Testament books refer to this event. Jesus testified He would come again; and biblical writers proclaimed His personal, visible, and bodily return (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16; Heb. 9:28; 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 John 3:2).
Speculation about the second coming continues to be a topic of intense interest. We would do well to remember, however, that the biblical writers did not speak of the promise of Christ’s return to satisfy our curiosity about dates and events. Instead, they wrote of the promise to fortify the believer’s confidence regarding Jesus’ sovereignty and faithfulness.
Biblical writers communicated the Lord’s return by using vivid images and striking metaphors that painted graphic portraits of stunning significance. A truth is no less authentic and powerful when conveyed through simile and metaphor than when declared through proposition and imperative. Consequently our challenge is to explore some of the images New Testament writers used to describe Christ’s second coming. Specifically we can gain an overview by examining selected images in the Books of Matthew and Revelation.
Hatred and Persecution—An essential aspect of Jesus’ eschatological teaching is a “present and future” tension. His exhortation about mistreatment and violence toward those who followed Him carried specific relevance for first-century Christians and continued relevance for future generations (Matt. 24:9-10).
Although believers across the centuries have been the objects of hatred and persecution, Jesus stated that mistreatment would grow intense and excessive. Some believers today seem surprised they must face the peril of tribulation, but Jesus warned that His followers would be persecuted because of His name (v. 9). Such hostility will take a toll on some who will “take offense” 1 and “betray one another” because they cannot endure the harassment and cruelty (v. 10).
False Prophets—Deception and treachery will abound before Christ returns (v. 11). The early church battled distortions of the truth about Jesus. The church today must also stand valiantly against heresy. False prophets seek to extol an appealing theology contrary to the uncomfortable rigor of full devotion to Christ. Furthermore, false prophets personify the metaphor of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). They look authentic, but behind the exterior lies a deadly appetite intent upon destruction. They pose as Jesus’ followers, but they neither teach the entire truth of God’s Word nor walk in Jesus’ steps. False prophets seek to draw others to themselves rather than to Jesus.
Lawlessness and Lovelessness—When people abandon absolute standards of holiness and truth, the depth of depravity becomes limitless. The corruption of virtue and the conscience will not only increase, it will also drain love from others’ hearts (Matt. 24:12). 2 The “cooling of love” is a somber image of a dwindling passion for Jesus that not only inflicted havoc upon the early church but that will persist until Jesus returns.
Endurance—Perseverance is a synonym for endurance and is an essential word picture in New Testament eschatology (v. 13). Endurance is not a merit for salvation but rather is a quality of those who are saved. Believers will endure because of God’s sustaining grace.
Gospel Goes to All the World—Jesus emphasized that the church’s mission was to preach the gospel as a “testimony to all nations” (v. 14). He instructed His disciples to engage in world-wide evangelism. The summary phrase in verse 14 “and then the end will come” is not intended to provide predictive power, but to underscore the significance of the mission. 3 The phrase is not a basis for pinpointing a precise time between the launching of the mission and the return of the Savior, but is a call for obedience and faithfulness in testifying about Jesus until His return.
The Days of Noah—Jesus compared the time of His return to what life was like during Noah’s day (vv. 37-38). 4 While Noah constructed the ark, social routines and family events continued unabated. The the activities Jesus mentioned were not inherently sinful. 5 Eating, drinking, and marrying are references to normal community practices. Noah’s generation was so engrossed in the pleasures of the moment, however, that it neglected the priorities of eternity. The point Jesus highlighted was not so much the people’s licentiousness as it was the people’s lethargy toward God’s warning. 6 Consequently, when the flood arrived, the opportunity of deliverance had passed for the fickle and faithless individuals.
One Taken and One Left—Christ’s return will involve separation and interruption. An inescapable division between the saved and the lost will accompany the second coming (vv. 40-41). The Greek verb translated “taken” refers to a divine initiative pointing “to the salvation rather than the destruction of the one ‘taken’ ” 7 The metaphor of taking and leaving underscores the truth of vigilance for every individual in every generation.
The Thief—Jesus used the metaphor of a thief without its normal negative overtones (vv. 43-44). Typically a thief operates by stealth to take what is not his. When Jesus returns, however, He will claim what rightfully belongs to Him. Using contrast and comparison, Jesus declared His return would be as unannounced as a thief entering a home and at “an hour you do not expect” (v. 44). Consequently the second coming of Christ calls for a comprehensive directive to remain alert. 8 Since no one can predict a specific time for His appearing, believers are to heed the call to “wakefulness and preparation.” 9
He’s Coming Again—In contrast to the obscure and mostly humble first advent of Christ, His second advent will be stunning, surprising, and spectacular. He came first as the suffering Savior. He is coming again as the conquering Christ. We cannot coerce all the adjectives to describe the details of His return, but we can live in faith and confidence that He will keep His promise. All the symbols, metaphors, and similes paint a triumphant picture that shouts “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”
M. Dean Register is pastor of Crosspoint Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. [Lifeway Adults (NaN). (p. 116). Bible Studies for Life: Senior Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]
Watch for Christ’s Return
Question 1:
Whose voice can you recognize instantly in a crowd?
THE POINT
When Christ returns, everyone will know it.
THE PASSAGE
Matthew 24:23-31
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
I have fond memories of summers growing up. I played outside most of the day with neighborhood friends. One place we lived was near a creek beside some woods. My friends and I would be gone for hours playing in that creek.
My mother had a recognizable southern accent. When it was time for dinner, you could hear all the neighborhood mothers out on their porches calling for their kids. No matter how far down the creek I was, I could always hear Mom’s strong, distinctive voice call my name. There was no mistaking her voice or her call to me.
One day Jesus is coming back, and the signs of His return will be clear and unmistakable. It will be obvious! While we will not be privy to any advance warning, Christ’s return will be a powerful, can’t-miss event. I did not always want to come in from playing when my mother called, but when Jesus returns, I’ll gladly welcome that moment to “go home” and be with Him. In Matthew 24, Jesus told us what that day will be like.
MATTHEW 24:23-25
23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it.
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
25 Take note: I have told you in advance.
KEY WORDS: False messiahs (v. 24)—Refers to imposters who claim to be the Jewish messiah. Jesus associated them with the fall of Jerusalem, but they still appear occasionally in history.
False prophets (v. 24)—Those who falsely claim to be speaking a word from God. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles often warned against counterfeit prophets.
Matthew gave us a great reminder that the true Messiah’s coming will not be secret or hidden. His coming will not be seen by only a select group; it will be visible to all. That’s why we should never take seriously someone who says, “See, here is the Messiah!” Christ taught us to beware of all the claims about His identity and His whereabouts, no matter how compelling they may sound.
Most of us would extend a warning to anyone we see in danger, but we would especially warn those we love and care about. Christ cares deeply for us. We saw earlier that Christ cares so deeply for His children that He will shorten the period of tribulation for their sake (Matt. 24:22). Now we read that Jesus warned them of the danger of being deceived by false religious peddlers. We should always hear the love of God in His warnings.
Jesus warned of both “false messiahs” and “false prophets.” What is the difference in these two groups? False messiahs are those who claim to be the Christ—the anointed one from God. False prophets are those who claim to have truth revealed to them by God (possibly in a hoax that supports one of the false messiahs). These false messiahs and false prophets are convincingly deceptive because they supposedly back up their claims by performing “great signs and wonders to lead astray.” These false leaders will be mimicking their leader: the antichrist. “And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18). Unfortunately, miracles are a part of their deception. “The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie, and with every wicked deception among those who are perishing” (2 Thess. 2:9-10a).
This means that we should be careful not to automatically attribute all miraculous works to the Lord. It is possible for something to be both miraculous and evil. This is nothing new. When Moses stood before Pharaoh calling for the release of God’s people, Pharaoh’s magicians mimicked many of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed (Ex. 7:10-12,20-22; 8:5-7). People would not be so easily deceived if Satan came as the cartoonish devil with horns and a pitchfork. Instead, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Jesus included one encouraging statement in this. The false messiahs and false prophets will not be able to pull off deceiving Christ’s followers. They will attempt “to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Satan has never been able to deceive true believers about the identity of their Lord. As Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).
Jesus said earlier in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And now we see that, while believers are not immune to the attacks of false messiahs, God will protect them from full-fledged apostasy. God’s elect can be tempted and tortured. They may even be put to death, but they will not fall for the deadly bait of deceivers. Peter told us in 1 Peter 1:5 that, “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Question 2:
What are some ways to guard against spiritual deception?
MATTHEW 24:26-29
26 So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28 Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.
29 “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
KEY WORDS: Son of Man (v. 27)—An Old Testament messianic term (Dan. 7:13) used as a divine title by Jesus, applying it to Himself.
Christ continued to warn against any false teaching about the Messiah’s whereabouts. He was saying in essence, “Pay attention only to what I am teaching you now, not to anything else you will hear or see. Don’t listen, no matter how fascinating the message and signs may seem to be. Don’t chase after any of these rumors.”
So many tragedies would never have happened if people had taken seriously the truth of this verse. There would have been no Jonestown massacre, Branch Davidians, or Heaven’s Gate. These people died because they listened to Jim Jones, David Koresh, or Marshall Applewhite give their versions of “ ‘See, he’s in the wilderness!’ … or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms!’ ” If someone tells you he knows the secret path to the kingdom or has a fresh new revelation from God, always refuse to give him a hearing.
The Messiah is not found in the places false teachers and cult leaders suggest. We don’t have to go somewhere; instead, He will be coming to us, returning in a way that will be obvious and memorable. Christ gave an unmistakable picture: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
When we hear thunder or see lightning in the sky, we do not usually wonder what it is. That’s what Jesus wanted to make clear. We will not wonder what is happening when He returns. There will be no mistaking it! Jesus’ return will be sudden and visible.
Jesus then added a seemingly out-of-place statement: “ ‘Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’ ” Many of us have driven past roadkill and seen buzzards devouring the carcass. It’s not clear exactly what Jesus meant by this illustration, but perhaps it is simply that people will be drawn to see the return of Christ even as vultures are drawn to a carcass.
Nature will call out the coming of Christ. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” The return of Christ will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies—or at least manipulations of their appearance. These signs in the sky will be such that all people of earth can see them and realize the end is at hand and Christ is returning. If only one of these signs were given, someone might try to explain it away as an eclipse or a meteor shower. But all of them occurring together can only be caused by the hand of God. Old Testament prophets previously had foreseen these signs in connection with God’s final judgment (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Ezek. 32:7-8).
These images and prophecies contain an unspoken lesson for us: we must not wait until the earth disintegrates to follow Christ. Follow Him now—and keep your eyes on Him.
Question 3:
What are some ways creation announces truths about God today?
MATTHEW 24:30-31
30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Just as the disciples’ hearts must have trembled at Jesus’ description of suffering during this period, they also must have been thrilled as they listened to Christ describe the glory of His return. Jesus ended His descriptions of darkness to announce: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.” Jesus’ personal, physical return will be the ultimate sign for humanity to behold.
One day He will return in glory and splendor, and His greatness and glory will be overwhelming to all. His righteous character will be so piercing that “all the peoples of the earth will mourn.” His arrival will be terrifying to all the people on earth, particularly for those who oppose him. They will mourn because Jesus’ coming implies their judgment. In the opening of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). We receive comfort when we rightly mourn. It is wise for us to see and acknowledge our sin so that we can grieve over it. Mourning leads us to repentance and confession, and if we mourn over our sin now, we will not need to be among those who mourn when Christ returns.
DIGGING DEEPER
He’s Coming Again
See the article to learn more about Jesus’ return.
Jesus used a reference from Daniel 7:13 to describe His return on the clouds: “Suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven.” Clouds were used in the Old Testament as a picture of God’s movement (Ps. 104:3; Isa. 19:1), so Jesus’ declaration that He would be “coming on the clouds of heaven” affirms His divine nature. Whether these clouds are natural or supernatural, Jesus will utilize them to display His divine majesty.
Christ’s second coming will be marked “with power and great glory.” This highlights the drastic contrast between His first coming and second coming. Christ came with frail humiliation in the incarnation in Bethlehem. At that time, only a few were aware of the significance of this birth to an unknown couple in an obscure village. But when Jesus comes the second time, He will appear with all the power and glory that are rightfully His.
God’s power will be necessary in His return, because His coming at that time will involve the defeat and conquest of all His enemies. “A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty” (Rev. 19:15). In His power, Christ will redeem His people and establish His perfect rule on earth. With that power comes His glory. God’s glory is essentially the total manifestation of all His perfection.
Jesus will mobilize a group of angels who will do the work of gathering believers to join Him in heaven. Christ refers to these messengers as “his angels,” another fact that shows us Christ is God. God’s angels are Jesus’ angels. Because the “good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations” (Matt. 24:14), Jesus will use the angels as “harvesters” of the faithful.
Trumpets were commonly used to herald the coming of the king with great acclamation, and the return of Jesus—the King of kings—will be announced “with a loud trumpet.” This likely referred to a shophar trumpet made from a ram’s horn, which was used to signal Jewish Sabbaths and feasts. It was also used to gather the Lord’s people together, as when Yahweh made His fearful appearance on Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16-20) and when the worshipers gathered on the mountain in Jerusalem (Isa. 27:13). Paul also referred to the blast of a trumpet to gather God’s people at the return of Christ (1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16).
Question 4:
What does the description of Jesus’ return in these verses teach us?
We do not know when exactly the trumpet will sound announcing the return of Christ, but when it comes, we’ll know it. Everyone will know it. And for those who know Christ, that trumpet blast will be a welcome sound. It will mean Christ has come and we’re going home!
Question 5:
How does Jesus’ imminent return give you hope?
ENGAGE
Let this exercise help you to gain a perspective on living today with the end in mind.
What would I do today if I knew that Christ would return tomorrow?
LIVE IT OUT
Reflect. Take a moment and reflect on your life. Ask yourself, “are you ready for Christ’s return?” Spend some time in prayer asking God how you can be more prepared for His return.
Remember. One way we can guard ourselves from false teachers is by knowing what the Bible says. Spend some time this week reading and memorizing Scripture.
Realize. The return of Christ is joyfully anticipated by believers but it will be a day of judgment for non-believers. Who do you know that doesn’t know Christ? Pray for their salvation.
HE’S COMING AGAIN!
By M. Dean Register
The return of Christ is a compelling and captivating truth the New Testament frequently emphasized. Twenty-three of the twenty-seven New Testament books refer to this event. Jesus testified He would come again; and biblical writers proclaimed His personal, visible, and bodily return (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16; Heb. 9:28; 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 John 3:2).
Speculation about the second coming continues to be a topic of intense interest. We would do well to remember, however, that the biblical writers did not speak of the promise of Christ’s return to satisfy our curiosity about dates and events. Instead, they wrote of the promise to fortify the believer’s confidence regarding Jesus’ sovereignty and faithfulness.
Biblical writers communicated the Lord’s return by using vivid images and striking metaphors that painted graphic portraits of stunning significance. A truth is no less authentic and powerful when conveyed through simile and metaphor than when declared through proposition and imperative. Consequently our challenge is to explore some of the images New Testament writers used to describe Christ’s second coming. Specifically we can gain an overview by examining selected images in the Books of Matthew and Revelation.
Hatred and Persecution—An essential aspect of Jesus’ eschatological teaching is a “present and future” tension. His exhortation about mistreatment and violence toward those who followed Him carried specific relevance for first-century Christians and continued relevance for future generations (Matt. 24:9-10).
Although believers across the centuries have been the objects of hatred and persecution, Jesus stated that mistreatment would grow intense and excessive. Some believers today seem surprised they must face the peril of tribulation, but Jesus warned that His followers would be persecuted because of His name (v. 9). Such hostility will take a toll on some who will “take offense” 1 and “betray one another” because they cannot endure the harassment and cruelty (v. 10).
False Prophets—Deception and treachery will abound before Christ returns (v. 11). The early church battled distortions of the truth about Jesus. The church today must also stand valiantly against heresy. False prophets seek to extol an appealing theology contrary to the uncomfortable rigor of full devotion to Christ. Furthermore, false prophets personify the metaphor of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). They look authentic, but behind the exterior lies a deadly appetite intent upon destruction. They pose as Jesus’ followers, but they neither teach the entire truth of God’s Word nor walk in Jesus’ steps. False prophets seek to draw others to themselves rather than to Jesus.
Lawlessness and Lovelessness—When people abandon absolute standards of holiness and truth, the depth of depravity becomes limitless. The corruption of virtue and the conscience will not only increase, it will also drain love from others’ hearts (Matt. 24:12). 2 The “cooling of love” is a somber image of a dwindling passion for Jesus that not only inflicted havoc upon the early church but that will persist until Jesus returns.
Endurance—Perseverance is a synonym for endurance and is an essential word picture in New Testament eschatology (v. 13). Endurance is not a merit for salvation but rather is a quality of those who are saved. Believers will endure because of God’s sustaining grace.
Gospel Goes to All the World—Jesus emphasized that the church’s mission was to preach the gospel as a “testimony to all nations” (v. 14). He instructed His disciples to engage in world-wide evangelism. The summary phrase in verse 14 “and then the end will come” is not intended to provide predictive power, but to underscore the significance of the mission. 3 The phrase is not a basis for pinpointing a precise time between the launching of the mission and the return of the Savior, but is a call for obedience and faithfulness in testifying about Jesus until His return.
The Days of Noah—Jesus compared the time of His return to what life was like during Noah’s day (vv. 37-38). 4 While Noah constructed the ark, social routines and family events continued unabated. The the activities Jesus mentioned were not inherently sinful. 5 Eating, drinking, and marrying are references to normal community practices. Noah’s generation was so engrossed in the pleasures of the moment, however, that it neglected the priorities of eternity. The point Jesus highlighted was not so much the people’s licentiousness as it was the people’s lethargy toward God’s warning. 6 Consequently, when the flood arrived, the opportunity of deliverance had passed for the fickle and faithless individuals.
One Taken and One Left—Christ’s return will involve separation and interruption. An inescapable division between the saved and the lost will accompany the second coming (vv. 40-41). The Greek verb translated “taken” refers to a divine initiative pointing “to the salvation rather than the destruction of the one ‘taken’ ” 7 The metaphor of taking and leaving underscores the truth of vigilance for every individual in every generation.
The Thief—Jesus used the metaphor of a thief without its normal negative overtones (vv. 43-44). Typically a thief operates by stealth to take what is not his. When Jesus returns, however, He will claim what rightfully belongs to Him. Using contrast and comparison, Jesus declared His return would be as unannounced as a thief entering a home and at “an hour you do not expect” (v. 44). Consequently the second coming of Christ calls for a comprehensive directive to remain alert. 8 Since no one can predict a specific time for His appearing, believers are to heed the call to “wakefulness and preparation.” 9
He’s Coming Again—In contrast to the obscure and mostly humble first advent of Christ, His second advent will be stunning, surprising, and spectacular. He came first as the suffering Savior. He is coming again as the conquering Christ. We cannot coerce all the adjectives to describe the details of His return, but we can live in faith and confidence that He will keep His promise. All the symbols, metaphors, and similes paint a triumphant picture that shouts “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”
M. Dean Register is pastor of Crosspoint Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. [Lifeway Adults (NaN). (p. 116). Bible Studies for Life: Senior Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Spring 2022. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]