Jesus is Coming Soon - Luke 21

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: The Promise of Christ’s Return

Today, my message is entitled “Jesus is Coming Soon.” Jesus himself promised many times while here on this earth that He as coming back. After the resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels spoke to His disciples and said in Acts 1:11.

Acts 1:11 (ESV) and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

As Jesus supernaturally ascended into heaven, so He will descend from heaven to earth when He returns. When Jesus returns from heaven, He’s going to bring heaven to earth in all it’s fullness. That’s what we pray for in the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew 6:10 (ESV) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

God’s kingdom is coming now, it is breaking into our world now. However, the kingdom of darkness has not yet been eliminated. That will happen at the return of Jesus when it will be destroyed.

When Jesus came the first time, He came as a helpless baby. When Jesus comes the second time, He will come, not as a baby, but as a conquering King. Revelation gives us a picture of His return.

Revelation 19:11–14 (ESV) Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, … He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.

When Jesus returns, everyone on planet will know it, in a split second. Everyone’s eternal destiny will be instantly sealed, there will be no time to repent. Believers will be destined for heaven and unbelievers destined for hell.

We must live each day anticipating the soon return of Jesus, His return is imminent. We must order our lives to help bring others into His kingdom, so that they will also be ready for His return. Some may wonder why I entitled the message that Jesus is Coming Soon.

I use the word soon, because Jesus Himself used that word, 2000 years ago at the end of the book of Revelation. He gave us His final promise about His return.

Revelation 22:20 (ESV) He [Jesus] who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Along with the writer of Revelation, the apostle John, let’s say together, Amen, Come Lord Jesus. Today, we’re going to look at Jesus’ own teaching on His coming again.

Signs of Jesus’ Coming

Jesus begins to tell us of the signs that will show us that His coming is moving closer. There will be signs, unusual occurrences in the sun, moon and stars. These will be signs that can be seen around the world.

Luke 21:25–26 (ESV) “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, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world
For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

The universe itself, not just planet earth, is affected by Jesus’ soon coming. On the earth itself, people will be confused by these unusual happenings. Jesus speaks of the roaring of the sea and the waves, unusual events perhaps caused by storms, rising sea levels or earthquakes.

The result is that many people will be overcome with fear, panicking about what will happen next. The very powers of the heavens will be shaken. The things that we think could never change, will change before the coming of the Lord.

Luke 21:27 (ESV) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

As these signs reach their pinnacle of intensity, then Jesus, the Son of Man will return. As He ascended into heaven on a cloud, He will come from heaven in a cloud. He will not come as a meek and lowly baby, but with great power and glory.

The people of the world will be in fear as these signs and shakings on the earth and in the heavens intensify. How should we as believers react to these things? Jesus tells us plainly how we should respond.

Luke 21:28 (ESV) Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

We need not be fearful or terrified by the things that are coming. Rather than being cast down, we ought to straighten up and look up in anticipation. For the return of Jesus means redemption is coming near.

Jesus is coming bringing the fullness of heaven to earth. The forces of evil will be completely destroyed. We will spend eternity with our Lord and King Jesus.

Living with Expectation and Confidence

So, how should we respond today to the truth that Jesus is coming soon. First of all, we need to keep that truth on the top of our minds. Every morning, we should think, this could be the day that Jesus returns.

We should ask ourselves how we would live our lives if this were the last day before Jesus came. When we look at the news or talk to people, how should we react to bad news. News of wars, earthquakes, violence, viruses, financial turmoil and evil.

In the future there will also be inexplicable signs in the heavens that scientists can’t explain. We should exclaim that today we are one day closer to Jesus’ return. We are not to be afraid of what this world is coming to.

Rather, we must be in faith that Jesus is coming and will make all the wrong right. Heaven is coming to earth and everyone and everything that isn’t fit for heaven will be removed. In the face of bad news, we can and must rejoice that these signs point to the return of Jesus.

Signs of the Kingdom

Jesus now gives a parable to help us understand how to interpret the signs of His coming. He uses the picture of trees in the springtime. Luke records His words.

Luke 21:29–30 (ESV) And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.

We are approaching the spring in St Louis when the trees begin to sprout. When the leaves appear, we know that summer is almost here. Jesus’ point is that the leaves of a tree are signs of what is coming in the future.

Luke 21:31–32 (ESV) So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

Jesus’ point is that when we see the signs He has just described, we know that His return is drawing near. The return of Jesus and the fulfillment of the kingdom of God will happen at the same time. Jesus will bring heaven to earth.

We will live on a renewed earth where heaven and earth have merged. Our bodies and our world will have both a physical and spiritual dimension. As the coming of Jesus draws near, evil will grow in our world.

Yet, the church of Jesus will also grow stronger and more powerful. Jesus then says that this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. What generation is He talking about.

A couple of Sundays ago, we studied Jesus’ prophecy about the coming destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. That prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, forty years later. The generation that heard Jesus’ words did not pass away until this was fulfilled.

Yet, the later part of Jesus’ prophecy, His coming, has not yet been fulfilled. I believe that Jesus is talking about the last generation when the signs of His coming reach a crescendo. Could it be that you and I may be part of the last generation.

We should live as though we are. Jesus then makes a powerful statement about what will last forever. He contrasts the temporary nature of this world with the eternal nature of His Word.

Luke 21:33 (ESV) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Heaven and earth as we know them are going to pass away. But God’s Word and the kingdom of God in the new heavens and earth will never pass away. We can rejoice as we see the signs of the kingdom taking place.

Watching the Times with Hope

Jesus begins this section by telling us to look at the leaves of the trees in spring. In the same way, we ought to look at the signs of our times. In other passages, Jesus warns us against trying to predict the exact timing of His return.

His return will be a surprise for everyone. Yet, we should look at the signs of our times and rejoice that Jesus is coming. The signs in the world are things that will be removed when Jesus returns.

There will be no more earthquakes, no more roaring of the oceans, no more violence and no more sun, for Jesus will be the light. We can use the signs of the times to witness to people that Jesus is coming. We need to be ready for His return and encourage others to be ready as well.

Along with the signs of evil in the world, we should also be looking for the signs of God moving in power through His church. The Gospel must be preached to every nation before the end comes. Let’s pay attention to the signs of the kingdom and prepare our hearts.

Prepare for Jesus’ Return

Jesus now gives us a strong warning about how we are to live as we await His return. He calls us to examine our own hearts and lives carefully. Luke records His warning.

Luke 21:34 (ESV) “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.

We must watch our own hearts as we live in the last days. Our hearts should be lifted up to God as we serve Him. Yet, if we’re not careful, our hearts can be weighed down.

Jesus lists three things that can weigh down our hearts and distract us from living for God. The first is dissipation, which means wasting something by misuse. It often refers to sexual immorality, wasting money or wasting time through meaningless amusement.

The second thing that weighs down our hearts is drunkenness. This refers to any kind of substance abuse that keeps us from having a clear mind to serve God. Finally, there are the cares of this life, which is worrying about the future.

All three of these distract us from focusing on Jesus and being prepared for His return. If we get distracted, we will be taken by surprise by Jesus’ coming. It will not come for us as a reward, but as a trap.

Luke 21:35 (ESV) For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Everyone on the planet needs to be prepared for Jesus’ return. His coming will affect every person without exception. Jesus then gives us His final instruction.

Luke 21:36 (ESV) 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.”

Jesus’ final admonition is to stay awake and alert at all times. We must not be distracted by the sin of this world. We must pray to have strength to escape the temptations that are coming.

As the time for Jesus’ return draws near, the temptations of Satan will become stronger and more subtle. Those who through prayer have the strength to escape sin will be able to stand in righteousness before Jesus. Those who give in and are distracted from God will be separated from Him forever.

Living Ready for His Appearing

We do not talk or think about Jesus’ return enough. It brings the reality of eternity into clear focus for our lives. Every person on earth is going to meet Jesus.

Either we will meet Him when we die or when He returns. Both death and Jesus’ return could happen at any time. So, we need to prepare and live each day in light of His return.

If we live each day preparing for His return, we will be thinking of others. Others around us who are not prepared and who need to know Jesus. Others who need to follow Him as disciples.

If Jesus were to return today, could you expect to hear the words, well done, good and faithful servant. If you’re not sure, pray as Jesus told us, asking God to give you strength to follow Him in these last days. We must prepare for Jesus’ return.

Conclusion: Hope That Carries Us Home

Jesus is coming soon, and this world is not going to keep on forever. We are already seeing signs of His coming in wars, earthquakes, violence and the increase of evil around our world. These signs will intensify as time moves on.

When others are filled with fear and anxiety, we can rejoice. Each day brings the return of Jesus one day closer. Let us prepare for His return through prayer and witness.

As we live holy lives in the midst of a generation that is far from God, God will help us rescue those who are perishing. He will use us to bring in a great harvest before Jesus returns. We have the only real hope in the world.

May we live with the hope of Jesus in our hearts. May we freely give that hope to others through faith in Jesus.

📘 Continue the Journey

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