Chapter 3 – The Imminent Return of Jesus

When studying Jesus’ prophecies, it’s easy to overlook a key detail: the timing of His return. A closer look at the Scriptures shows that Jesus consistently promised His return would happen soon—within the lifetime of His audience. Let’s explore the evidence.

Timing of Jesus’ Return

Jesus promised his disciples that His return in glory, with judgment and the establishment of His kingdom, would occur before some of His listeners had died.

Matthew 16:27-28 (WNT) For the Son of Man is soon to come in the glory of the Father with His angels, and then will He requite every man according to his actions. I solemnly tell you that some of those who are standing here will certainly not taste death till they have seen the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.

Common interpretations often claim this prophecy was fulfilled during the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) or at Pentecost (Acts 2). However, neither event fits. At the transfiguration, none of the listeners had passed, no angels appeared, and no judgment took place. At Pentecost, Peter himself declared the events were happening before “the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:20 [WEB]). This suggests that Jesus’ prophecy was still unfulfilled after these events but would occur within their lifetime.

Missing “About To?”

Many translations miss the significance of the Greek word melló, meaning “about to” or “on the verge of,” when describing Christ’s return.¹ This term highlights the urgency and nearness of the events Jesus prophesied.²

Here are some examples:

2 Timothy 4:1 (WNT) I solemnly implore you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about [mellontos] to judge the living and the dead…

Acts 17:31 (Berean Literal Bible) Because He has set a day on which He is about [mellei] to judge the world in righteousness…

Acts 24:15 (BLB) …that there is about [mellein] to be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Greek scholars consistently translate melló as “about to” in most cases.³ While more literal translations of the Scriptures incorporate this phrase, in cases where its presence may be questioned, resources like BibleHub provide the original Greek text of the verse, allowing readers to confirm whether “about to” should indeed be included.

The use of melló strongly supports the idea that Jesus’ return and the associated events were intended to be understood as imminent.

A Soon Return

Jesus repeatedly stated that His return would happen soon. In response to His disciples’ questions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age, Jesus outlined the events of the Great Tribulation, signs in the heavens, and His coming on the clouds. He concluded with a bold statement:

Matthew 24:34 (WNT) I tell you in solemn truth that the present generation will certainly not pass away without all these things having first taken place.

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ return on the clouds, Jesus emphasized that these events were “about to happen,” offering clarity on the meaning of “this present generation.”

Luke 21:35-36 (BSB) For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about [mellonta] to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.

Jesus warned his disciples that they would face persecution and hatred from the world. He instructed them to flee from one town to another, but to alleviate their concerns about rejection, he promised that he would return before they had been expelled from every city.

Matthew 10:23 (WEB) Most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.

When Jesus returned, he would be ashamed of the people of that generation who were ashamed of him and his teachings.

Mark 8:38 (WEB) For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his Father’s glory, with the holy angels.

Witnessing His Return

It is important to note that in the verse below, the reference to “you” specifically pertains to the people present with Jesus. He assured them that they would witness his coming on the clouds of heaven during their lifetime.

Matthew 26:64 (BSB) “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Jesus intended for the disciple John to live long enough to witness his return.

John 21:22 (BSB) If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

While some speculate John is still alive today, it is more reasonable to conclude that John lived long enough to see Jesus’ return, as Jesus promised, while Peter died beforehand.

A Just and Quick Return

Jesus used the parable of a persistent widow to teach that a just judge doesn’t delay. Waiting thousands of years to bring justice would contradict this principle.

Luke 18:7-8 (WEB) Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

This statement affirms that Jesus intended His return to bring swift justice to His generation, not an indefinite delay.

A Call to Reflect

Jesus’ words were clear—His return would happen soon, within the timeframe He repeatedly emphasized. Understanding the importance of His time statements invites us to consider the implications carefully. Could it be that His prophecies were fulfilled within the first century, as He promised?

Footnotes