Are you ready for His Return?

Do you prepare for things?

Are there things that you prepare for in advance? Give me an example? What happens when you do not prepare?

Just like we prepare for important earthly events, Jesus calls for us to prepare for His return, an event of eternal significance.

Jesus had already warned His followers about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Now He steps back with a wider view to the end of the age, the end of the Gentile age, the day of His return and the fulfillment of God’s plan. His message to His disciples was not to bring fear, but to stir faith, watchfulness and readiness.

Key Truth: Christ’s return is certain: Believers must live in a state of spiritual alertness and hope.

Our Return of Christ Passage

Luke 21:25–26 NASB95

25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Luke 21:27–28 NASB95

27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:29–30 NASB95

29 Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.

Luke 21:31–32 NASB95

31 “So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.

Luke 21:33–34 NASB95

33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 34 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

Luke 21:35–36 NASB95

35 for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:37–38 NASB95

37 Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Anything stand out to you in this passage, if so, what from what verse?

What kind of signs does Jesus describe in (vv.25-26)?

In Sun, mon, stars, earth, dismay among nations, in the seas and waves

How does Jesus tell His followers to respond when these things happen (v.28)?

Straighten up and lift up your heads . . . . your redemption is drawing near

What lesson does the fig tree illustrate (vv.29-31)?

When you see these signs like the leaves on fig tree, know the kingdom of God is near.

What warning does Jesus give about our hearts (v.34)?

Be on guard so your hearts are not weighted down by these things and the day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

What does Jesus urge His followers to do in (v.36)?

Keep on the alert, and pray for strength to escape all these things.

Cosmic Signs and the Son of Man Coming

Luke 21:25–28 “25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””

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Signs in heavens (Sun, Moon, Stars) and on earth (roaring seas, perplexed nations, or maybe think of it as nations in anguish)

People fainting from fear and foreboding

The Son of Man arriving on a cloud with power and glory

Encouragement: Lift up your heads, your redemption draws near.

Parable of Fig Tree

Luke 21:29–33 “29 Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 “So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

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This parable teaches about discernment, when you see the signs appear, know the kingdom is near.

There is the assurance (v.32) that this generation will not pass away until all things take place - - - so now there is a step back to AD70 isn’t there?

There is the assurance also (v.33) that heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will not pass away!

A Call to Watchfulness

Luke 21:34–36 “34 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.””

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Here Jesus calls for His followers to guard against spiritual dullness. He states carousing, drunkenness, and weighed down by life’s cares.

To stay prayerful and alert so not to be caught all of a sudden like off guard in a trap.

Jesus daily routine

Luke 21:37–38 “37 Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.”

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Daily Jesus would teach, here when in Jerusalem in the temple in the evenings he would spend on the Mount of Olives.

People would get up early in the morning to come and listen to Him. They were eager to hear Him.

Summary

When you see the signs; believers are told to stand up and lift up your heads and know your redemption is near

The parable of fig tree reminds us that when signs appear the kingdom is near.

In this passage we have seen the warning to guard our hearts against worldly distractions and to stay awake, praying for strength to stand before Christ.

And to know Christs example of teaching, preaching and resting daily, His steady and routing faithfulness even when the cross was in near site to Him.

Application

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Live expectantly: Know that Christ’s return is imminent and let it shape your priorities

Stay spiritually alert: Guard against spiritual complacency and worldly entanglements.

Trust God’s word: When the world feels uncertain, hold on to the promises found in God’s word, in the promises of God’s word.

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Pray continually: Prayer strengthens your heart to endure and remain faithful.

Encourage others: Share hope, not fear. Share about the coming of Christ!

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Thought Provoking Questions

Why do you think Jesus told His followers to look up with hope instead of fear?

What are some “distractions of life” today that can make believers unprepared for Christ’s return?

How can we live in “daily readiness” without becoming anxious about end-time events?

If Jesus were to return today, what would he find you doing?

Jesus says His words will never pass away, even if heaven and earth do. In a world of changing truths and fake news, how does this give us stability?

Conclusion

Lift up your heads! Jesus words are not meant to terrify us but to prepare and to encourage us. In a world of uncertainty, His return is our ultimate hope. Signs remind us the kingdom is near. Let’s commit to watching, praying, serving and living alertly, trusting in God’s holy word, and serve faithfully waiting for His return for the church. May we all truly be able to sing “It is well with my soul.”

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