Jesus first talks of his second coming.

Jesus first talks of his second coming.



The first suggestion of a second coming—the idea Jesus isnt gonna take possession of his Kingdom during his first coming—appears in the Olivet Discourse, the bit in Mark 13, Matthew 24-25, and Luke 21, where Jesus answers his students question about the End. In each gospels version of the Discourse, Jesus brought up the tribulation, his followers great and terrible time of suffering. Christians would be persecuted and killed; a horrible outrage would take place which his people need to flee from; and fake Messiahs and prophets will try to lead them astray.Wheres Jesus during this time of tribulation? Apparently not here. None of his statements about whats to come, are phrased to indicate hes gonna be physically among his followers when the tribulation hits them. Or should I say us? Well, that depends on when and where the tribulation takes place. Dispensationalists say it takes place in the future, after all the Christians have been raptured—despite how Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, specifically describes Christians undergoing tribulation, and warns us to get ready. Most Protestants figure tribulation happens, or happens at its greatest intensity, just before Jesus returns, like in the decade (or seven years) before. And most Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians figure its happening right now—and has been happening all throughout Christian history. Although, if youre paying any attention to the state of the world, you might notice at this point in history, in many countries where Christianity is banned outright or is the minority religion, millions of Christians are being persecuted. Far more Christians are suffering for their faith today, than have ever been.(Where do I hang my hat? With the idea were in the tribulation now. And that certain countries, mine included, are oases from it—though often rendered impotent by our creature comforts. There are no unfulfilled prophecies getting in the way of Jesuss return. Only disobedient Christians who are too busy setting up our own little fiefdoms instead of the Kingdom.)
After tribulation, Jesus returns.But I digress. My point is to point to what Jesus says will happen right after the tribulation:
But in those days after the tribulation,
the sun will go dark.
The moon wont give its light.
The stars will be falling from the sky.
The heavenly powers will be shaken.
Then theyll see the Son of Man coming in clouds
with great power and glory.
Then hell send out angels to gather his chosen
from the four winds,
from the earths farthest parts
to heavens farthest parts.
—Jesus, vF('Mark 13.24-27','g')The Son of Man, Jesuss favorite title for himself, is described as “coming with the clouds” in Daniel, in much the same way as Jesus describes. v('Da 7.13-14') By this point Jesus had referred to himself as the Son of Man so often, theyd know precisely who he meant—even if they werent familiar with the Daniel vision. But they were. And in that vision,
Look, someone like a Son of Man
was coming with the clouds of the heavens.
He approached the Ancient of Days
and came near to him.
He gave him authority, honor, and the Kingdom,
and every people, nation, and language.
They will bow to his authority.
His authority is permanent:
It will never pass away.
His Kingdom will never be destroyed.
—Daniel, vF('Daniel 7.13-14','h')When the Son of Man appears in the clouds, its to take over the world.So at some point, Jesus is gonna leave; but he was gonna return. With authority and honor. With power. Probably with a billion ass-kicking angels. And of course, several billion Christians and followers of God, from the beginning of history to now, freshly resurrected and ready to escort our Lord into place.
How Jesuss students understood this.Now, back to Jesuss students. It was likely news to them that their Master would be going away for a time. And from the sound of the tribulation idea, it wasnt gonna be that brief a time: It might be years. (Turns out centuries.) It was gonna be a lot longer than they expected before their Master took his throne.What did that mean for them in the meanwhile? It meant they were to do the job Jesus was currently preparing them to do: Follow him. Be his apostles. Do as he did, teach as he taught, act like representatives of the Kingdom of God until the Kingdom arrives in completion. And were to do likewise.What about tribulation? Well, Jesus didnt sugar-coat things:I told all of you these things so you can have peace in me. In the world, youll have tribulation. But cheer up! Ive conquered the world.
—Jesus, vF('John 16.33','g')Death is defeated, and sin is atoned for. All that needs happen next is for Jesus to return. So lets get our act together.