July 31, 2022

John 14: 2 (NIV)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.”

It is the Lord Jesus’ only unfulfilled promise.*

Jesus’ disciples were still a little fuzzy on the concept of Jesus’ leaving. Now he’s promising them that he will come back for them. For us today, accepting and expecting his return are components of our faith in his resurrection, but we, too, find ourselves wondering about our Lord’s return. 

Much about the Second Coming is shrouded in mystery and symbolism, but there are certain aspects that we can be sure about. 

1. He is definitely coming back. In this verse and in Matthew 24: 30, we read of Jesus’ pledge to return. 

2. Jesus will return at God’s appointed time. No one else knows when that is. (Matthew 24: 36; Acts 1: 7) 

3. Our job is to proclaim the hope and the promise. (Matthew 28: 20; Acts 1: 8) 

4. We should look forward to his return. (Matthew 24: 44) 

Jesus knew that we wouldn’t understand everything he said but he has made it clear that he wants us to be with him – he told his Father: “I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.” (John 17: 24) So of course he’s going to come back and get us!

God has chosen the right time for Christ’s second coming without any reference to clocks and calendars.*