What Jesus Commanded Regarding His Second Coming

Many say that the timing of the Second Coming is not important. What is important is that we know Jesus and remain ready. While this sounds reasonable, it often indicates that the person does not know what Jesus commanded regarding His Second Coming.

Jesus gave many specific commands and instructions regarding His return. Lets take a look at some of the key passages in which Jesus tells His followers regarding His return. These verses are representative of what Jesus commanded, but, they do not include everything He said. His commands are are underlined. 

Matthew 24: verses

4   Jesus answered: Watch out that no one deceives you.

6   You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.

13  but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

15  So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand--

16  then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

20  Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.

23  At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he  is!' do not believe it.

26  So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.

33  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

42  Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

44  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

45  Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Matthew 25: verses

13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Mark 13: verses

 5   Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.

7   When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.

9   You must be on your guard.

11  Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

13  All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

14  When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong--let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

18  Pray that this will not take place in winter,

21  At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ !' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.

23  So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

29  Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.

33  Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come.

35  Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

36  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

37  What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'

Luke 12: verses

35  Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

36  like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

37  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.

38  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

39  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

40  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

42  The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?

43  It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.

48  From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;

Luke 21: verses

8   He replied: Watch out that you are not deceived.

9   When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened.

14  But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

19  By standing firm you will gain life.

20  When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

21  Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

28  When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

31  Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

36  Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before 
     the Son of Man."

Would you say Jesus’ instructions about the timing of the Second Coming seem important or not?

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Wake up! I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown (Revelation 3:2, 11).

Richard H Perry