No One Knows

Introduction:

Good morning, family. As we gather this morning, I want us to consider one of the greatest assurances in all of Scripture: Jesus Christ is coming again. This promise, given by our Lord, is not a metaphor or a mere wish—it’s a guaranteed reality.

Throughout history, people have speculated about the timing of Christ’s return. Predictions have come and gone, often leaving confusion in their wake. Yet, Jesus Himself made it clear: no one knows the day or the hour. While the timing is unknown, the certainty of His return is beyond question.

In our passage this morning, Jesus answers the disciples’ question, "What will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?" (Mark 13:4). He speaks of three momentous events that will accompany His return:

Astronomical Happenings: The sun darkened, the moon failing to give light, and stars falling from heaven (vv. 24–25).The Triumphant Return: The Son of Man will come in power and great glory (v. 26).The Gathering of the Elect: His angels will gather His people from the ends of the earth (v. 27).

These signs are not just predictions; they are declarations of God’s sovereignty, His control over history, and His promise to redeem and restore. This morning, as we reflect on these truths, let us prepare our hearts, not only to hear His Word but also to live expectantly, knowing that His return could be at any moment.

Communion:

As we prepare to take the Lord’s Supper, let us remember that this act is a proclamation of what Christ has done and a reminder of what is to come. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.” Communion looks back at the cross and forward to His return.

Reflection and Examination (1 Corinthians 11:28) Take a moment to reflect on your walk with Christ. Confess any sins, seek His forgiveness, and thank Him for His sacrifice. This is a sacred time to ensure our hearts are right before God.

Elements of Communion

The Bread Jesus said, “This is My body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). The bread reminds us of His body, given for our sins. Let us eat together, remembering His sacrifice.

The Cup Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). The cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. Let us drink together, celebrating the new covenant.

Closing and Anticipation As we close, remember that communion not only calls us to remember but also to anticipate. Jesus is coming again. Let this truth fill our hearts with hope and joy as we await the day when we will share this meal anew with Him in His kingdom (Matthew 26:29).

Prayer “Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross and the promise of Your return. As we partake in this communion, we remember Your love, Your grace, and Your victory. Help us live each day in the hope of Your coming. Amen.”

vv. 24–27) Jesus’ return is Guaranteed:

People have attempted to predict when the Great Tribulation, the rapture of the church, and the Second Coming of Jesus; however, Jesus assures no one will know the precise time. While we do not have the exact details of when Christ will return, we can hold the simple fact His return is a certain reality.

Family the greatest event next to the salvation won for us on the cross, is the return of Jesus Christ. The disciples wanted to know, “When will these things be (Mark 13:4)?” and “What will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” Jesus continues to answer the second question about his return in our passage this morning.

In these 4 verses there are 3 events:

There will be astronomical happenings (vv. 24–25).

There will be the return of the Son of Man in the clouds (v. 26).

There will be the gathering of the elect (v. 27).

Before we get into these events we must keep in mind the two questions the disciples asked Jesus:

When would the temple be destroyed?

What are the signs of the Lord’s coming and of the end of the world?

Jesus was now dealing with His coming again; He was answering the disciples’ questions. He revealed some information about when He was going to return. He will return “in those days, after that tribulation.” The idea here is immediately after the great tribulation. In fact, Matthew uses the word immediately (Matthew 24:29). Jesus even said the days of the great tribulation have to be shortened in order to save the elect:

The point being Jesus didn’t return “after the tribulation” of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This is evident as you and I are standing here centuries later. Therefore, what Jesus says in this passage is bound to refer to His second coming.

I believe this also indicates the tribulation just discussed will be the great tribulation lying out in the future. Jesus will return:

(v.24) in those days, after that tribulation.”

(Matt 24:29) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days.”

Matthew 24:29 NKJV

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

I believe this is proof the great tribulation and the Lord’s return are tied together. The Lord’s return will follow immediately upon the heels of the great tribulation.

It must be remembered the terrible afflictions predicted by our Lord referred both to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD on the surface, as well as, to the great tribulation:

Mark 13:19 NKJV

19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.

The fact Jesus said He would return in those days, after that tribulation tells us there are some terrible days of suffering and trouble coming upon the earth. But His return is the focal point and some truly glorious news.

This tells us:

Jesus is definitely God. Knowing the future of the earth, evidenced by Jerusalem’s destruction about 37 years after His death, and the great trial yet to come.

Jesus is in control. He will return to shorten the day of trial and come as the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords.

[24–25] The first event when Jesus returns will be astronomical happenings.

The language is very descriptive:

“The sun will be darkened.”

“The moon will not give its light.”

“The stars of heaven will fall.”

The powers in the heavens will be shaken.”

After a great tribulation, the cosmos will signal an undeniable return of Christ (vv. 24–25).

Practically speaking, such astronomical happening occur now. The earth is sometimes darkened by dust from earthly catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions, wind storms, and smoke from huge fires. Of course, whatever darkens the sun hides the light of the moon from earth.

The stars, being, meteorites of varying sizes, fall throughout space often. “The powers in the heavens” might be talking about the heavenly bodies outside our solar system, called by Scripture as “the host of heaven.” Being the forces which keep the stellar bodies in orbit will be shaken.

Deuteronomy 4:19 NKJV

19 And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage.

I believe we need to mention here about the power of the atom. Of course, an atom bomb exploding on earth is powerful enough to darken the sun and moon from earth’s view. Worldwide atomic warfare would case so much death and destruction. However as the atom is known today, it could not affect the axis or rotation of the sun, moon, other planets, or stars unless there is to be an intergalactic war of some sort.

Now of course, there is always the possibility there is a power much greater than what we know today. This is not to rule out atomic warfare either.

One of the biggest keys in understanding this is to understand all of mankind during the great tribulation will know it is the judgement of God. And there will be no arguing against it, they will know who is rightly punishing the earth.

What our passage present seems to mean the whole universe is going to be affected by Jesus’ second coming.

The triumphant Son of Man will return with unmistakable power and unshakeable glory (v.26; cf. Dan 7:13–14).

Family, in these verses the astronomical bodies are affected because of the evil and wickedness of mankind and the wrath of God is being shown.

The scene of falling stars, for example, is not for the purpose of man’s witnessing a spectacular event; it is to point to the Son of God, to His judgement’s falling upon the earth.

Every person is going to know beyond any doubt Jesus is coming in all the power and glory of God Himself.

Jesus said it Himself in verse 26, He is coming “with power and great glory.”

Philippians 2:10–11 NKJV

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

[26] The words “great power and glory” indicate He is coming to subject all men to His rule and reign and to execute judgement upon the earth. Scripture definitely reveals astronomical happenings will precede and accompany the coming of the Lord.

[Is 13:10–13; 24:17–22; Joel 2:30–31; 3:15–16; Luke 17:29–30; 21:25–26; Acts 2:19–20]

Revelation 6:12–17 NKJV

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Pay attention to the exact words used in this passage of Revelation, since they are referring to the same event as Jesus. The coming of Christ will trigger a great earthquake on earth and astronomical happenings in the heavens above. Men, great and small, will be terrified and hide themselves and try for immediate death instead of having to face Jesus. Why? Because they will know something: “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand.”

The second even is the actual return of Jesus, the Son of Man Himself:

It is the Son of Man who comes. Jesus claimed He is the Son of Man, the Son of God incarnate in human flesh as the Perfect Man. In that day, there will be no doubt about who He is. Interestingly, right now He is recognized only by believers, but then it will be unmistakeable: He is the Son of Man.

All men and every eye shall see His return. This is what is meant by “they (26)” Matthew records “all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming.”

He is coming “in the clouds with great power and glory. Picture with me this scene: The back drop of heaven is dark, without any major light from the sun and moon. Suddenly, as quickly a flash of lightning, the most brilliant focus of light ever known to man appears. The Shekinah glory of God shines in the person of Christ as He appears to the world.

Revelation 1:7 NKJV

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

Revelation 19:11–16 NKJV

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

The third event when Jesus returns is the gathering of the elect. There are two significant points made in this verse.

The angels of God “father together His elect.” Who are the elect?

They are the people who cry (pray, converse, share) day and night unto God:

Luke 18:7 NKJV

7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

They are the people who are justified by God:

Romans 8:33 NKJV

33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

They are the people who:

Colossians 3:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

The elect are gathered from all over the earth. They shall be gathered from the most remote spot on earth and carried to the farthest part of heaven.

When Jesus returns to this earth after the tribulation, He will come with the saints in heaven and to gather those who have come to Jesus during the tribulation and have survived.

Those scattered to the nations with the message of the gospel will be gathered together with the Hero of the gospel (v. 27).

Matthew 25:31–32 NKJV

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

vv. 28–31) Jesus’ return is Soon:

So far we have covered some of the signs associated with the second coming of Jesus Christ. The truth is glorious, is it not? It should stir up hope in you. However, one thing is required… a person must turn over their life to Christ or else be banished from the presence and glory of Christ forever.

In verses 28–31 and 32–37 Christ gives six critical warning for us to pay attention to.

The signs point to the end and they are discernable. The fig tree illustrates what Christ meant. When the fig tree begins to put forth leaves, summer is near.

So when we see these things, the signs He had been sharing, know Christ’s return is nigh.

Family pay attention to the text. We are to know that it is near. It isn’t an option, but a command: meaning we are to stay alert, looking for the signs of the time so we can know when His return is near.

Jesus is speaking of cause and effect. The signs are seen, expect the result: The coming again of the Son of Man. When believers see:

Unusual number of wars and natural disasters.

Many false messiahs and prophets arise.

Bitter persecution.

Iniquity abounding and the love for God waxing cold.

Every day patiently endured is one step closer to Jesus’ glorious return (vv. 28–29).

The events occur rapidly. They will happen within one generation. What is meant by “generation” is often disputed.

Christ didn’t draw a definite line between the two questions posed by the disciples: about Jerusalem’s destruction and the end of the world.

My take: Just as the signs and destruction of Jerusalem took place within a generation, the signs and destruction of the world will also occur within a generation.

Jesus left some details concerning the end times ambiguous which creates differing groups and challenging debates.

The events are a surety. They are irrevocable. Christ is definite about what He has said.

In a world promised to change, the words of Jesus will consistently endure (v. 31).

Heaven and earth will pass away. Christ is saying they are actually going to be done away with and cease to exist in their present condition:

2 Peter 3:10–11 NKJV

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

All of what Christ has said—about the great tribulation and His return—will happen. In fact the great tribulation and His return are more sure than the heavens and the earth.

For some people, it has been a long , long time since Christ spoke these words; and an innumerable list of events have happened. Therefore, they assume the whole idea of the second coming is a myth or a fable, the figment of someone’s imagination. It isn’t.

2 Peter 3:3–4 NKJV

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

2 Peter 3:8–13 NKJV

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

vv. 32–37) Jesus’ return is Unknown:

[4th] Christ warned—the exact time is unknown. The day and hour are not known to anyone.

What is interesting, is how could Jesus not know the day and hour? Didn’t He, as God, know all things? Jesus didn’t know this, not because He gave up His omniscience—He is after all the unchanging God. It was because He voluntarily, in submission to God the Father, restricted His knowledge of this event.

When Christ game to earth, He “emptied Himself (Phil 2:7)” or “made Himself of no reputation”. Meaning:

He took on the nature of man; becoming flesh and blood (Phil 2:7; Heb 2:14)

He voluntarily surrendered and limited Himself to the nature of man in some respect. For example, men do not know the future. Christ limited Himself in knowing the future except when and where a demonstration of His divine omniscience was needed.

While man, Christ willed not to know some things and not to be able to do somethings (like, to be present everywhere, His omnipresence [John 16:7]. This enabled Him more effectively to identify with mankind in our limitations and needs.

While man, Christ subjected Himself completely to the Father. This means, of course, He had to live in the Father and be taught by the Father. Just as you and I this morning are to live in and be taught by God, Jesus did so perfectly.

Hebrews 5:8 NKJV

8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

[5th] Christ warned—the need is to take heed—to watch and pray. Family here are some reasons you must take heed and watch:

Because the time of the Lord’s return is unknown.

Because you have been given a specific task to accomplish, and it should be finished when Christ returns. The greatest of tragedies would be for you not to have completed the job Christ gave you to finish.

Because Christ is returning unexpectedly, suddenly. It may be any day, any hour.

Lastly we must watch because you can be caught napping and sleeping.

How tragic would it be if:

You failed to wait long enough. As the days, weeks, and years wear on and on, you can be tempted to grow more and more drowsy…

You can delay or postpone or slack on your work the Lord has given you to do; thinking you can do it later.

You may think you can go ahead and do whatever you wish and cover it with the Lord later. Thinking you will have time to correct the matter with God later.

lastly, you might begin to think like the world. However, God knows how the world thinks, and He has described it clearly for the sake of His followers.

Jesus has left His church on earth to be in charge of the family business until He returns (vv. 34–35).

Your end times obsession will focus on a prediction of the hour or a preparation of when the hour comes (v. 36).

[6th] Lastly, Christ warned—the warning is to all—watch. No one is exempt: no believer or unbeliever. Ever man:

is to take heed, watch and pray.

is commanded to watch.

is to watch therefore.

is not to be caught sleeping.

is to hear the warning.

“The Parable of the Fig Tree cautions Tribulation saints to watch and know the ‘signs of the time.’ But the Parable of the Householder warns all of us today.”–Wiersbe

Family think of what Jesus has left you:

His house: the church belongs to Jesus, but He entrusts it to each one of us.

His authority: You and I are to live and serve in the authority of Jesus, and responsibility is always coupled with authority.

His work: Each servant has his work to do. We aren’t responsible for someone else’s work, but we certainly are for ours.

Numbers 6:24–26 KJV 1900

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.