Every Christian holds onto the hope of Jesus’ returning. After His ascension, angels assured the disciples, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). But we are not just meant to wait; Jesus leaves us a great commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). As we pursue this mission, many people ask: When is Jesus coming?
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus provides profound insights into the end times and His second coming. This passage, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, addresses questions from His disciples about the signs of the end of the age. Two verses in particular stand out for their apparent contrast: Matthew 24:36, which emphasizes the mystery of the timing, and Matthew 24:14, which outlines a clear precondition for the end. Together, they paint a picture not of complete unknowability, but of a divine plan where humanity plays an active role.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Matthew 24:36 states, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This verse underscores a fundamental truth in Christian eschatology: the precise timing of Jesus’ return is veiled in divine secrecy. Throughout history, countless individuals and groups have attempted to calculate or predict this moment, often drawing on biblical prophecies, astronomical events, or world affairs. Yet, Jesus’ words serve as a stern warning against such endeavors. The emphasis here is on humility and readiness—believers are called to live in a state of vigilant faith, not obsessive date-setting.
The Condition
In contrast to the shrouded timing, Matthew 24:14 offers a tangible milestone: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Here, Jesus reveals a condition that must be fulfilled before His return—the widespread dissemination of the gospel message. This isn’t a vague aspiration but a prophetic promise tied directly to the culmination of history. The “whole world” and “all nations” suggest a comprehensive reach, encompassing diverse cultures, languages, and geographies.
This verse aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” It implies that human agency is integral to God’s plan; the church’s obedience in evangelism advances the timeline toward the end. We may not control the clock, but we influence the conditions that signal its final ticks.
The Free Refill Drink
To grasp this interplay between unknown timing and known conditions, consider a simple analogy from daily life: purchasing a drink with free refills at a restaurant. When you buy that soda or iced tea, you’re promised unlimited top-ups, but you don’t know exactly when the waitress will come by to refill your glass.
However, you do know the condition that triggers the refill: an empty glass. The waitress won’t pour more until you’ve finished what’s there. Your role, then, is to drink up—to actively empty the cup so the condition is met. Then the refill will come!
Christ’s return isn’t tied to a calendar date we can circle, but to the fulfillment of evangelistic conditions we’ve been entrusted with. Just as sipping your drink hastens the refill, spreading the gospel accelerates the divine plan. The focus isn’t on watching the clock (or the waitress), but on engaging in the task at hand.
The illustration highlights a practical shift in perspective. Instead of passively waiting or speculating, we’re invited to participate actively. The empty glass represents the world’s need for the gospel; our preaching fills that role, creating the environment for Christ’s promised return.
Our Urgency: Preaching the Gospel
The priority becomes clear: our efforts should center on proclaiming the gospel to every corner of the earth. This mission transcends denominational boundaries, cultural barriers, and technological limitations. In an era of global connectivity—through social media, mission trips, and digital outreach—the tools for fulfillment are more accessible than ever. Believers are called to be ambassadors, sharing the message of salvation with urgency and love.
Matthew 24 reminds us that, although the specific day and hour of Christ’s return are unknown, the circumstances for our preparedness are clearly outlined bare. Like the free refill promise, the second coming is assured, but it hinges on our active participation in emptying the “glass” through worldwide evangelism. This empowers believers to live with purpose, free from the burden of prediction and fueled by the joy of mission. As we commit to this task, we align ourselves with God’s redemptive plan, hastening the day when Jesus returns in glory. Let us, then, preach boldly, love deeply, and watch expectantly—not for dates, but for the fulfillment of His word.
Italo Osorio 2025
Originally Published at Gospel Urgency
