Jesus Is Coming Back!

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Introduction

People have always been fascinated with signs of the end.

For those of us old enough, we Remember the panic at the turn of the millennium.

In 1999, the calendar rolled toward what came to be known as Y2K and people feared the world’s computers would shut down because they were not properly coded to handle a new set of dates.

It was feared that planes would fall from the sky, the entire banking system would be wiped out, and life would collapse overnight.

People stocked food and prepared for chaos.

Then midnight came, and nothing happened.

A decade later, people claimed the Mayan calendar predicted 2012 as the end of the world.

But December 21st came and went like any other day.

It’s the same old story as the boy who cried wolf,

so many false alarms that eventually people stop paying attention. But here’s the danger: when the real moment comes, people won’t be ready.

Jesus tells us in Luke 21 that there will be signs of His coming.

Wars,

disasters,

cosmic upheaval will all take place.

But these are not secret codes for us to decipher or hidden puzzles for prophecy experts to argue over.

When the time comes, the signs will be obvious.

No one will need to squint and guess.

Because when Jesus returns,

it will not be as the humble Servant riding on a donkey, but as the conquering King coming with the clouds, bringing judgment to those who reject Him and redemption to those who trust Him. His justice will be severe and holy,

but His salvation will be full and final.

So although there is a place for discerning the signs to come, that is not the focus of today’s sermon. We are not asking when He is coming but rather “Are we ready for when he comes?”

We will do this by examining the story starting in verse 5.

From there to the end of the chapter we will see…

I. The Disciples’ Wonder (vv. 5–7)

II. Jesus’ Warning (vv. 8–24)

III. Our readiness: (vv. 25–36)

Let’s start in verse 5 looking at the Disciple’ Wonder.

I. The Disciples’ Wonder (vv. 5–7)

As Jesus and His disciples left the temple, some of them couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty. Herod’s temple was regarded as one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world,

admired by Jews and Gentiles alike.

It’s massive white stones,

some over sixty feet long,

gleamed in the sun like a snow covered mountain.

So much so that It was written that for those traveling to the city, it appeared that the temple was actually covered in snow.

Much of the exterior was plated with gold,

so that when the sun struck it,

it shone so brightly Josephus tells us people had to look away as from the rays of the sun.

Gates were covered in silver and gold,

and a famous grapevine,

also made of gold,

hung above the entrance.

It was so large that you could fit roughly 20 standard football pitches inside its walls.

So you can see the magnificence of this building. This was a building meant to last.

To the Jewish people, this was not just architecture, it was the center of their faith,

their culture,

and their national identity.

But to their astonishment, Jesus responded for a second time, saying that the temple will be destroyed.

The very building they thought symbolized God’s presence and their security would not stand.

Within a generation, His words came true.

In AD 70, the Romans laid siege to Jerusalem,

burned the temple,

and pried apart its stones to recover the gold that had melted in the flames.

The destruction was so complete,

with stones being found over such a wide distance,

that architects today believe the Romans used high powered explosives to aid in it’s destruction.

What seemed indestructible crumbled to the ground.

So the lesson here becomes clear,

earthly glory never lasts.

Even the most magnificent works of human hands, whether

wealth,

power,

or monuments,

will ultimately fall.

Only God’s kingdom endures.

So I ask you Hutong, where is your security?

What is your trust in?

Is it in what pleases and amazes the eyes but is eaten by moths or destroyed by rust,

or is it in Christ?

The one whose kingdom WILL NOT be shaken and whose words WILL NEVER pass away?

The disciples,

stunned by this prophecy,

naturally asked:

“Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign?”

Their question sets the stage for Jesus’ warning.

II. To Warning (vv. 8–24)

A. First, Jesus warns about deception.

Luke 21:8 ESV

8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.

History is full of people claiming to be messiahs promising deliverance.

In the first couple centuries, you had multiple people coming out claiming to be the Messiah who would defeat the Romans.

In each example, they were defeated a thousands died as a result.

In China there was Hong Xiuquan (1814–1864), who claimed to be the brother of Christ who would usher in God’s heavenly kingdom on earth. He drew millions to him, who began the taiping rebellion. If you know your Chinese history, you know that this too ended in horrible bloodshed, and millions died.

But What is even more astonashing to me,

is how many people,

even with as much as Jesus spoke on us not being able to do this,

have given specific dates for His return.

William Miller (1840s): Predicted Christ would return in 1843–1844; the “Great Disappointment” followed when nothing happened.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Predicted Jesus’ return in 1914, later revised with multiple failed dates (1918, 1925, 1975).

Harold Camping (2011): Set dates of May 21 and October 21, 2011, for the end of the world; both failed.

Joshua Mhlakela (2025): Predicted Jesus will return on September 23 or 24 of this year. That is a couple weeks away!

Jesus could not be clearer: Don’t fall for it.

When the true King comes, no one will need to guess.

B. Second, He warns about disasters.

Luke 21:9–11 ESV

9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

These have been,

are,

and will continue to shake the world,

but Jesus is saying…

Do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.

In other words, turmoil in a sinful world is normal.

It does not mean the end has arrived,

it means we live in a broken world under the curse of sin.

Every war,

every disaster,

every shaking of the earth is a reminder that this world is temporary,

but none of them alone are the final sign.

But it is incredibly common to see people assume that every horrible trategy is a sign of His imminent return.

This week was the aniversry of September 11th, which many people have tried connecting to prophecies.

A few days ago, a Christian and political figure in America was assassinated. People are already claiming that this points to the end times.

But these are not the only norms that we face until Christ returns.

In verse twelve, he also warns us yet again that we will face persecution.

C. Third, He warns about persecution.

Luke 21:12 ESV

12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

He continues this thought over in verse 16 saying that there will be those who’s own family betrays them.

They will be hated because of Christ and some will even be put to death.

We have seen this throughout Church history have we not?

Peter and His uncle

People’s families turning on them for remaining single snd not marrying an unbeliever.

Yet notice Jesus’ perspective in verse 13:

13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

Persecution is not wasted, it is a platform for testimony.

so I ask you, are you ready to give this testimony when the time comes?

When you are brought before religious leaders,

judges,

kings,

or even family,

don’t go forth grumbling in self pity but rather with joy that God has given you an opportunity to share the reason for the joy within you.

But He doesn’t just leave us there.

He also promises in verse 15 that He will be there with us, giving us the Words to say.

This doesn’t mean we don’t pray for words.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t spend time learning about Him more or even thinking about how to respond to questions.

But it does mean that there is no reason to be anxious.

When the time of persecution comes,

When the time for you to give testimony comes,

Christ Himself has promised to give you the words.

Take comfort in this Hutong.

The very trials that seem designed to silence believers become pulpits for the gospel.

D. Finally, He warns of judgment.

Luke 21:20 ESV

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.

Just forty years later,

in AD 70,

the Romans besieged Jerusalem.

The temple the disciples admired was torn down stone by stone.

Josephus tells us that over a million people perished.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers suffered unspeakably.

Survivors were dragged into captivity.

And Jesus explains why in verse 22, He says that…

Luke 21:22

“for these are days of vengeance….

Jerusalem had rejected the prophets,

rejected the Son,

and rejected the gospel.

Now God’s judgment fell.

The city that once shone with God’s glory was left in ruins, a visible sign of His justice.

But I do not believe this prophecy ends in AD 70.

We can see with most of these,

that these warnings speak just as true today as they ever have,

and it is my understanding of the passage that they will happen to an even greater extent at the time of Christ’s return.

The destruction of the Temple is clearly an historical fact for us today,

but it is likely that it also speaks of a future fulfillment as well,

when Jerusalem will be surrounded before the coming of Christ,

and His justice will yet again flow against those who deny Him.

So what do we learn from this warning?

Don’t be deceived by false saviors.

Don’t be shaken when the world trembles.

Don’t be surprised when persecution comes.

Don’t be blind to the fact that God’s judgment is real.

These verses are not here to make us speculate, but to make us steadfast.

The Christian life is not lived by chasing signs, but by bearing witness through trials and standing firm until the end.

Are you prepared to stand firm in the face of all of these things?

Are you growing closer to Christ and dependence on Him?

Are you learning to be satisfied not in the things of this world that are fleeting, but in the eternal goodness of Christ that gives immeasurable joy even in the face of persecution and suffering?

Are you ready for His return?

III. Our readiness: (vv. 25–36)

But you may be asking…

What does that even mean preacher?

Well, verse 25 begins to speak on this as it narrows the focus from now historical events, and currently ongoing events, to the end of the world itself.

A. Watch for the signs of His return (vv. 25–28)

In verse 25, The camera pans out from a single city under siege to a universe unraveling.

Luke 21:25 ESV

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,

The disciples would have instantly caught this imagery from their Prophets.

We find such warnings throughout the Old Testament. Joel 2:31

“The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”

Sounds familiar right?

the entire created world will begin to break at the Time of His coming. The heavens that once declared the glory of God will now tremble under the weight of His return.

And then comes the climax in verse 27:

Luke 21:27

“They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Do you hear the contrast between His first and second coming here?

In His first coming we saw the humble servant:

born in a manger,

riding on a donkey,

despised and rejected by men,

Sent to seek and save the lost as Rick taught us last week.

But in His second coming He will be the conquering King:

riding on the clouds,

radiant with glory,

bringing both judgment and salvation.

The first time He came to be judged by sinners.

The second time He will come to judge sinners.

And this moment will divide all humanity.

For those who have rejected Him,

it will be sheer terror.

His justice will be severe and inescapable.

No sinner will slip through the cracks.

We all deserve that wrath,

but those who harden their hearts against His mercy will receive it in full.

But for those who belong to Christ,

His return is not terror,

It is not a time of receiving the justice we do rightfully deserve,

but rather it is a time of triumph and joy as our Savior has returned!

For those whose trust in His redeeming work on the cross, Jesus says this to in verse 28:

Luke 21:28 ESV

28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Do you see the difference?

While the world cowers in fear,

the Christian lifts his head in hope.

While nations collapse in anguish,

the believer stands tall in confidence.

What is horror for the world,

is redemption for the church.

But notice this…

Jesus doesn’t tell us to watch for wars,

or earthquakes,

or famines.

He doesn’t tell us to chase every headline or panic with every global crisis.

He tells us to watch for Him.

yes, He has given us signs and we should be paying attention to the times,

But the primary point of this passage is to be expectantly waiting for His return.

The focus is not the chaos around us,

but the Christ who is coming for us.

And the question is personal:

Hutong Church, when that day comes,

when the skies are dark,

when the seas roar,

when men faint with fear,

will you be shrinking back in terror,

or will you be standing in hope?

Because on that day the question will not be,

“What did you predict?”

but

“Whom did you trust?”

To drive this home, Jesus gives a parable starting in verse 29.

Luke 21:29–30

“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.”

He is saying that there are evidences around you that Summer is coming if you just pay attention.

In the same way,

when God’s appointed signs erupt, the cosmic shaking of verses 25–28,

God’s people should know that the end is near.

Verse 32 says

that this generation won’t pass away until all these things take place.

I take this to refer to the generation alive when these cosmic signs occur.

But The point of the parable is certainty, not confusion.

Jesus is not authorizing speculation or date-setting.

He is cultivating trust that His kingdom will surely come,

and when it does,

it will be unmistakable.

Therefore,

the disciple’s task,

and our task Hutong,

Is to live in faith and obedience so that,

when the season turns,

we are already walking with the coming King.

So I ask,

Are you walking with the King?

Are you living in prayerful obedience to His words?

Or are you allowing the things of this world to distract you from your readiness?

That is what Jesus speaks on in verses 34 and 35.

C. Watch for the Enemies of Readiness (vv. 34–35)

Luke 21:34–35 ESV

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

So not only is Jesus telling us to be ready, but He is also telling us of things that keep us from being ready, and His return come upon us like a trap. first, he speaks to…

dissipation and drunkenness.

This is more than just over drinking alcohol.

It is pleasure without purpose.

It’s any pattern of numbing ourselves,

endless scrolling,

binging entertainment,

or

over working,

These dull the soul until eternal realities feel distant.

Next, He mentions the…

cares of this life.

Bills,

exams,

work deadlines,

toddler bedtimes,

aging parents,

finding a spouse,

keeping a spouse happy…

These are real cares,

important cares even.

but Jesus warns us here that When the urgent is prioritized over the ultimate,

we drift into un-readiness.

This has been a big conviction to me this week.

Far more often than I would like to admit, I see the mountain of tasks ahead of me and allow them to take priority over my relationship with Christ.

Have you ever had a busy day, or week, and the first thing you cut is your prayer time, or time in His word?

Or how often do we do the check list reading and prayers but then get busy and completely ignore the presence of Christ for the rest of the day?

We will always have cares and responsibility, and we should take them serious.

But we must never allow these cares to distract us from what is most important.

C. Watch with Prayer(v. 36)

So Jesus concludes in verse 36…

Luke 21:36 ESV

36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Did He say to simply stand around looking up waiting?

No

it is a posture of alertness,

repentance,

and obedience.

Prayer is the God given means to stay awake.

I read earlier this week that…

Watchfulness without prayer becomes anxiety;

prayer without watchfulness becomes empty ritual.

I love this wording,

because together they keep us sharp,

strong,

and ready.

Let us also notice the purpose for this though.

That we may have strength to escape,

not a trouble-free path,

but endurance to persevere without falling away.

The Application: Readiness is Sanctification.

So what does readiness look like?

I want to give you four practical things we can do to ensure that we are ready.

1. Attend to the Word:

Let the eternal word set your daily agenda.

He told us in verse 33 that His word will not pass away, so let us trust in that.

2. Pray for strength.

Go to him daily in Prayer, praying for the strength and wisdom to stand firm in the face of anything the world may throw at us.

3. Avoid the numbing :

Identify what dulls your soul and replace it with what sharpens your love for God.

For me, that is youtube shorts.

I don’t know what it is for you, but In today’s world, there are so many distractions and brain numbing entertainments out there.

Run from them.

4.Do not forsake the Church:

Readiness is communal.

Worship,

fellowship,

and

confession.

these are how the Spirit keeps us awake together.

We are not meant to do this alone.

So let us come together as one body, as one community under Christ and stay awake together, serving Him with Boldness without compromise.

Conclusion

In conclusion,

The return of Christ will divide all humanity:

Those who reject Him will face His wrath and justice.

Those who know Him will see His face and rejoice in their redemption.

Which side will you be on when the King returns?

This is a Call to unbelievers:

run to Christ now. humble yourself Repent of your sins

And believe in Him for salvation from them.

This is a Call to believers:

Do not be afraid.

Lift up your heads.

Be watchful,

prayerful,

and hopeful….

because your King is coming.

To practice this readiness together,

let us go together in prayer.

Pray for:

The lost

Strength when persecuted

Wisdom to flee from sin

Joy as we await His return.