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How to Prepare for the Return of Jesus

Know the signs that Jesus gave

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. Luke 21:7-11 NLT

Jesus identifies signs of his return.

False Messiahs

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. Luke 21:8 NLT

Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this, we know that the last hour has come. 1 John 2:18 NLT

Wars and Instability

And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first. Luke 21:9 NLT

Earthquakes, Famines and Plagues

There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands. Luke 21:11 NLT

Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:20-22 NLT

Signs in the Heavens

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:17-18 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Pick a time in your day to intentionally sit in God’s presence, thinking about how he holds the universe in his hands. Picture his vast creation and how it acknowledges him, from the sun that never fails to rise, to the mountains that remain tall and firm. Think of the breath of life that comes from God and sustains us all, whether we are believers or not. He is no stranger to the turning of the tides, and he could never be surprised by the rattling of the earth, though these things may rattle us. As you read passages like Luke 21:25-28, fear and anxiety can easily seep in (it’s even expected!). “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” But as we read about the end time, we should hold tightly to the truth that Jesus has come to save us from the curse of death (Romans 8:21). As hard as it may be to fathom, the creation eagerly awaits his return. Reflect on the feelings that stir up in you: happiness, panic, eager anticipation, worry, awe, or something else entirely? Though what precedes Jesus’ return can shake us up, we know he will come, “in a cloud with power and great glory… stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:27-28 That kind of power can’t come from anything on earth—signs in the heavens and the ability to shake the earth. Therefore it’s important to keep our eyes fixed on God and not on figures who may claim to know the end time is coming. Study 1 John 4:17-18 and Romans 8:35 and ask God to help you experience the peace that comes with knowing Jesus and trusting in his glorious return. Take a few days to keep asking God for that peace; he will find great joy in hearing from you and reassuring you. Share with your family or small group what God put on your heart in those days of dedicated prayer time.​

Discussion Questions

  1. Now that “60 Days To a Better Me” is over, what reading plan are you currently following (have you started the “Risen” study? Are you still catching up on “60 Days”?) and what stood out in your reading this week?
  2. Read Romans 8:35. In what specific ways are you feeling separated from God’s love in this current season and what can you do to better connect with God, or his people, who love you and want to be with you?
  3. Read Luke 21:7-11. What signs of Jesus’ return, here in this passage or elsewhere in the Bible, are you currently seeing or still waiting for?
  4. Read 1 John 4:17-18. In what ways does this passage help you handle any fear you feel when it comes to Jesus’ return?
  5. On a scale from 1-10, how prepared do you feel for the return of Jesus and why?
  6. What are some of the things you still need to do to get ready, and what can you do this week to move ahead?