Throughout history, people have speculated about the end of the world. Many have tried to predict Jesus's return, claiming to know the exact date. However, Jesus Himself made it clear that no one, not even the angels in heaven, knows when that day will come.
What Did Jesus Say?
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus tells His disciples:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (NIV)
This verse is part of Jesus’ discussion about the end times. His disciples had asked Him about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. While Jesus gave them certain signs to watch for, He made it clear that the exact time remains unknown.
Why Can't We Know the Exact Time?
God, in His wisdom, has chosen not to reveal the exact timing of Christ’s return. There are several reasons for this:
- Encourages Faithful Living – If people knew the exact date, some might wait until the last moment to turn to God instead of living in obedience daily.
- Prevents Fear and Panic – Knowing the exact time of the end could cause fear, anxiety, or reckless behavior.
- Tests True Faith – Those who remain faithful despite not knowing the time show genuine trust in God’s promises.
Jesus wants His followers to always be ready, living with a sense of urgency but not fear.
The Danger of False Predictions
Over the centuries, many have claimed to know when Jesus would return. From early church history to modern times, people have set dates, only for those predictions to fail. Some of the most well-known false prophecies include:
| Year | Prediction | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1844 | William Miller predicted Christ’s return, leading to the "Great Disappointment." | Jesus did not return, and many were disillusioned. |
| 1994 | Harold Camping set multiple dates for the rapture. | Nothing happened, and he later admitted his mistake. |
| 2012 | The Mayan calendar was rumored to predict the end of the world. | The date passed without incident. |
False predictions damage faith and mislead people. Jesus warned against being deceived by those who claim to know the time (Matthew 24:4-5).
How Should We Live in the Meantime?
Since we do not know when Jesus will return, how should we live? The Bible gives clear instructions:
1. Stay Spiritually Alert
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:42:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
This means staying faithful in prayer, reading God’s Word, and growing in our relationship with Him.
2. Be Ready at All Times
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five were wise and kept their lamps ready, while the other five were unprepared. The lesson? We must be ready for Jesus at all times.
3. Continue Doing Good
Instead of worrying about the end, we should focus on living out our faith. Galatians 6:9 says:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Serving others, spreading the Gospel, and loving our neighbors are the best ways to prepare.
The Promise of His Return
Although we do not know when Jesus will return, we can be certain that He will. John 14:3 gives us this promise:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
This is a message of hope. While the world may seem uncertain, God's plan is perfect. Instead of focusing on when Jesus will return, we should focus on being ready when He does.
