When will Jesus Return?

A Reflection for the first Sunday of Advent by Rev. Julia Styles

Lectionary reading for 11/30/2025: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44; Selected passage for reflection: Matthew 24:36-44 

Read

Matthew 24:36-44 NIV 

The Day and Hour Unknown

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Reflect

Portrait of Jesus by Emily John Garces

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The lectionary passages for today—Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, and Matthew 24:36-44—focus on the theme of the “last days.” I find it interesting that the Advent liturgy begins by reflecting on the end times and the last days, and culminates, by the last Sunday of Advent, in the birth of Jesus. In a sense, Advent starts at the end and gradually moves toward the beginning. We begin with hope and ultimately conclude with love.

To give context to Matthew 24:36-44, it’s essential to know that Jesus has already told the disciples that he will soon be killed. His disciples, upon hearing this, were likely filled with questions and uncertainty. They wondered what would come next—what they should do without him, when he would return, and how they could be prepared for his coming.

In Matthew 24, Jesus discusses wars, earthquakes, plagues, displacement, and persecution. It’s a sobering message. Jesus warns, “for nation will rise against nation, and kingdoms against kingdoms” (Matthew 24:7), and that “such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6). He tells them that “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). It’s a picture of chaos and suffering—that things will worsen before they get better, and warns that “many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am

the Messiah,’ and deceive many” (Matthew 24:5).

But the big question remains: When will you come back, Jesus? When will God end all this suffering? When will violence cease? When will nations turn swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4)? When will people forsake idolatry and worship the true God of Jacob? The disciples, familiar with the prophets like Isaiah, longed for God’s reign—a reign that would bring peace and justice. Isaiah envisions this hope vividly: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains... and many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…’” (Isaiah 2:2-3). This kingdom of peace and righteousness is something they yearn for, especially when Jesus’ first coming didn’t fully establish God's reign on earth. If not now, then when?

Jesus responds with a mystery: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). He instructs, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42), emphasizing the need for vigilance. “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).

This question—When?—is not only the concern of the disciples 2,000 years ago but also of many Christians today. We ache for the suffering to end, for love to reign, for justice to prevail, and for God’s kingdom to come fully here on earth. So, what are we to do with this uncertainty? What are we to do when violence, injustice, and greed seem to dominate our world?

Jesus’ instruction is clear: Stay awake, be alert, and follow his teachings. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Our ignorance about God’s timing calls us to this way of living—seeking righteousness, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God—rather than asserting power over others or giving up in despair.

In this season of anticipation, let us stay vigilant, trusting that our faithful work in love and justice aligns us with God's ongoing work in the world. And in the midst of waiting and uncertainty, may we cling to the hope that Christ’s coming will ultimately usher in the fullness of God’s kingdom—a hope that sustains and renews us, guiding us toward love, peace, and justice.

Respond 

There’s a lot we don’t know, but even in the shroud of mystery, we can cling to hope. This week, focus on HOPE and pray that God would show you glimpses of hope in your daily life.

What do you hope for this Advent season?

• Is it a deeper connection with God or your family?

• Is it a solution to a current problem weighing you (or your community) down?

• Is it a hope for healing from a past hurt or current wound?

• Whatever your hope is for this season, lift it to the Lord in prayer.

Rest 

Take some time to engage in prayerful imagination with God, envisioning what heaven on earth will be like.

God, there is so much suffering and turmoil happening in the world right now. As we face personal struggles and feel the collective pain of injustice, help us to remember that Christ is victorious. We confess that at times, waiting and uncertainty can feel hopeless. Fill us with hope and remind us of the eternity we have with you, our loving God, so that we may find strength to overcome our present trials and tribulations.

Help us cling to the promise that one day, all that is broken will be made new. We long for the day when heaven is here on earth, and your reign covers the entire world. Then wars will cease, wounds will be healed, and disease and hunger will disappear. We yearn to see your justice flow like a mighty river, your love reign supreme, and all of creation restored to its intended glory.

Give us a clear vision of your Good News! Strengthen our faith to share it boldly, and fill our hearts with hope and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

About the Author 

Rev. Julia Styles is a spiritual director, leadership coach, and retreat facilitator based out of Atlanta, GA. For over five years, she has edited Prayerful Reflections, bringing together some of her favorite theologians, pastors, writers, and friends from around the globe. She is a mom to two little kids, Jakob and Zoe, a stepmom to two young adults, Marianna and Reese, and a wife to Derek. She finds joy in community, and treasures her time with others in her local MomCo (Mom Community), church, and neighborhood. When Julia and her family aren’t in Atlanta, they are probably enjoying the mountains of southern Appalachia.