Whilst I’m not much of a gardener or horticultural expert, I always knew living in Brisbane that when we saw the Jacarandas flower, then it must mean that exam time is near! The sea of purple was a reminder that a certain time of year had arrived! Throughout this chapter, Jesus has just finished describing a range of conditions that will indicate that his return is imminent. This conditions included: the destruction of the Temple; wars and unrest; false teachers and prophets; and persecution for those who follow him. Jesus says, that just as the fig tree’s leaves coming out remind us that it’s summer (or the purple of the Jacarandas remind us it’s exam time), that these signs should remind us that he will be returning soon. So what is the point? That the time of his return is near. How near? I have no idea! But his return draws closer everyday. That as we witness these things, and as Christians have witnessed these things for the last 2000 years, we should be hastened that Jesus’ return is just around the corner. That the time is coming in which everything - except Jesus’ words - will pass away!

But note that this does not mean that we should madly try to identify all of the ‘signs’ in order that we can predict the precise time when Jesus will return. Plenty of people try to do that, even though we’re told right here (verse 36) that only our Father in Heaven knows when. It’s a good warning that if anyone tries to predict the time of Jesus’ return then we should be very wary of them. After all, if neither the angels nor the Son know the time, what would make anyone else think that they would have a special knowledge?! No, that’s not the point. The point is that when Jesus returns, no one will be expecting it. How then should we prepare for it? Stay tuned for tomorrow. AL

Questions

What are the signs that Jesus is returning soon? Recognising that all of those signs have been evident for sometime, what does that mean for us today? Have you ever come across someone who tries to predict the precise date or Jesus’ return? Why is this completely in error?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that with every day, that Jesus’ return is drawing closer. Please help us not to listen to false prophets, but to instead let the signs warned by Jesus to help shape our daily priorities. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.