Jesus is definitely coming back, and that should make us want to get ready

Knowing prophecy helps us to be prepared, to anticipate what is coming, to be encouraged that the Lord is in control, and that He will win the victory. But Jesus did not want His disciples to get so involved in the prophecies of the future that they would neglect the responsibilities of the present. He closed the Olivet Discourse with two parables: The parable of The Fig Tree and No One Knows the Hour.

Jesus is coming back. One way we can prepare is to LEARN (v.28-31)

The fig tree parable (v.28–31) emphasizes knowing that His coming is near, but the second parable emphasizes not knowing the time of His return. Jesus is speaking to all but emphasizing principles that would apply to two different groups of people: (v.28-31) He’s addressing tribulation saints, and (v.34-36) He’s addressing all believers in every age.

(v.28) “From the fig tree learn its lesson…”

Jesus constantly used object lessons and this time he gave one, using the fig tree. Object lessons illustrate and explain Biblical truth, bringing clarity. The fig tree would be one of the last trees to produce green leaves in the spring. When it did this, it was an indication that summer was near. So, Jesus says, when people see the signs, He has mentioned in these verses, they will know the end is near – Jesus will soon return.

The world is being prepared for the fulfillment of God’s prophecies and the signs are everywhere. Are we looking for signs? No, as Christian believers today, we are not looking for “signs” of His coming; we are looking for Him. People living during the Tribulation will be able to watch these things occur and will know that His coming is near. This assurance will help them to endure and to be good witnesses.

(v.31) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

One day, we know, there will be a new heaven, and a new earth. But one thing will never be new: His Word! It will never pass away or fail.

How can we get ready for Christ’s return? LEARN

Another way we can get ready is to WATCH (v. 33a, 34b, 35, 37)

Be on guard, keep awake. … and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.  Therefore stay awake … And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

The parable of the fig tree cautions tribulation saints to watch and to know the “signs of the times.”  But the Parable of the “Doorkeeper” warns all of us today to be alert, because we do not know when He will return to take us to heaven. Like the Doorkeeper, before our Lord went from us back to heaven, He gave each of us work to do; He expects us to be faithful while He is gone and to be working when He returns. Because nobody knows when Jesus Christ will return. Our task is to be faithful: we need to study, grow, preach, teach, model, disciple. This is how we can be “on guard,” “keep awake,” “stay awake.”

Being watchful has nothing to do with going to heaven: it is purely a matter of pleasing Him, hearing His loving commendation, and receiving His reward. The LORD is now preparing a home for all believers, even the least worthy will go to heaven because of His grace, not because of our faithfulness or good works.

How can we get ready for Christ’s return? WATCH

Jesus is coming back. Another way we can get ready is to WORK (v. 34-36)

Jesus is the “man going on a journey. He left the earth, and ascended back to Heaven and when He did, He commissioned His servants (apostles), giving them authority to minister in His name. And we too are given instructions: we are to be engaged until He returns – in the WORK of the ministry. The work of the kingdom is “bottom-up” not “top-down.” A healthy church consists of those who are prepared by their leaders to do the job God has called them to do. That means shared responsibility, shared vision, and shared load. Pray and ask God to show how to engage in a local church.

Discover your gifts – joyfully and selflessly serve Him and others and see what He wants to do through you, for His glory, and for others’ benefit. Every work of the ministry is important: whether visible or not, perceived as significant by peoples’ standards, or not.

Jesus says, don’t be found indifferent or spiritually lazy when He arrives because He will arrive without warning; it will be sudden. Jesus says, “be ready, be watchful.” Part of our WORK includes being attentive and observant to the spiritual atmosphere and battle we are in. We should have the mindset of a spiritual soldier who knows the enemy is crafty/cunning/lying in wait – seeking to deceive. As our lives becomes more difficult, we need to become more alert; focused on doing what God has called us to do.

Jesus is coming back and a way to get ready is to be at WORK

LEARN, WATCH, WORK

Mark 13:37 “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”