God Wants Us to WATCH for the Return of Jesus Christ, Not Simply Let It Happen (KJV)

May 30, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

One of the most common statements heard among Christians today is, “Nobody knows when Jesus is coming, so there is no reason to study Bible prophecy.” While it is absolutely true that no man knows the exact day or hour of Christ’s return, that is very different from saying God does not want His people to watch, learn, and recognize the season.

In fact, throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands believers to watch.

Jesus Himself said:

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42, KJV)

Notice that Jesus did not say, “Ignore the signs.” He did not say, “Don’t concern yourself with My return.” Instead, He commanded His followers to watch. Watching requires attention. Watching requires awareness. Watching requires understanding what is happening around us in light of God’s Word.

The Lord rebuked the religious leaders of His day because they could recognize weather patterns but could not recognize the prophetic signs surrounding them.

“Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3, KJV)

The Pharisees and Sadducees had the Scriptures. They possessed the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Yet many failed to recognize that they were living in the very days those prophecies were being fulfilled. Could the same thing happen today? Could many churches be so focused on earthly concerns that they fail to recognize the signs God has provided concerning Christ’s return?

The Apostle Paul taught that believers should not be caught completely unaware.

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4, KJV)

The world may be surprised, but God’s people are instructed to watch and remain spiritually awake. Paul was not teaching date-setting. He was teaching preparedness and awareness.

God has always revealed His plans to His servants before major events occurred.

“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7, KJV)

Before the flood, Noah was warned. Before the destruction of Sodom, Abraham was informed. Before the Babylonian captivity, the prophets spoke. Before the first coming of Christ, detailed prophecies were given centuries in advance. Why would we assume that God wants believers to ignore the prophecies concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

The Bible never presents prophecy as a side topic. Nearly every New Testament book points believers toward the return of Christ. The blessed hope is not merely a doctrine; it is a motivation for holy living, evangelism, faithfulness, and endurance.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13, KJV)

Notice that believers are instructed to be “looking for” His appearing. This implies expectation. It implies anticipation. It implies watching.

As the world grows darker, many believers are tempted to become distracted, discouraged, or spiritually asleep. Yet Jesus gave a different instruction:

“And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37, KJV)

The message for our generation is simple. Study the Scriptures. Learn the prophecies. Watch world events through the lens of God’s Word. Stay faithful to Jesus Christ. Share the gospel while there is still time. Do not become obsessed with setting dates, but do not ignore the signs God has given either.

The return of Jesus Christ is the next great event on God’s prophetic calendar. Whether it happens today, tomorrow, or months from now, believers are commanded to watch, pray, and remain ready.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28, KJV)

The Lord never told His people to sleep through prophecy. He told them to watch for its fulfillment.

Why Would Jesus Teach the Parable of the Ten Virgins If He Did Not Want Us to Watch and Wait?

One of the strongest arguments that Jesus wants His followers to watch and wait for His return is found in His own Parable of the Ten Virgins. If the Lord did not want believers to be attentive to His coming, why would He spend so much time teaching preparedness?

Jesus said:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” (Matthew 25:1, KJV)

The entire purpose of the parable is that the virgins were expecting the bridegroom to arrive. They were waiting. They were watching. The difference between the wise and foolish virgins was not whether they believed the bridegroom would come. All ten believed that. The difference was that five prepared for his arrival, while five did not.

The wise virgins brought extra oil:

“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:4, KJV)

When the cry finally came, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh,” the wise were ready, and the foolish were not. The lesson is not merely about salvation; it is also about spiritual readiness. Jesus was teaching His followers to live with expectation and preparation, knowing that His return could come sooner than many think.

The message of the Ten Virgins is clear. God does not want His people spiritually asleep. He wants them watching, waiting, praying, studying His Word, and keeping their lamps full. A believer who is eagerly anticipating Christ’s return is living exactly as Jesus instructed. The wise virgins were not criticized for watching for the bridegroom—they were praised for being prepared when he arrived.

Perhaps that is why so many passages of Scripture encourage believers to look for Christ’s appearing, to watch for the signs of the times, and to keep their eyes fixed on Him. The Lord’s repeated command is simple:

“Watch therefore.”

Those who love His appearing will not merely let the day arrive without thought. They will be watching for their Bridegroom, ready to meet Him whenever He comes.

How Does God Want Us To Watch for His Return?

1. Watch Through the Scriptures

Jesus expected His followers to understand the signs of the times.

“Search the scriptures…” (John 5:39, KJV)

A watchful believer studies God’s Word and compares current events to what Scripture teaches rather than relying on speculation or fear.

2. Watch Through Prayer

Jesus repeatedly connected watching with prayer.

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things…” (Luke 21:36, KJV)

Prayer keeps our hearts focused on Christ and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

3. Watch Through Holy Living

The expectation of Christ’s return should affect how we live.

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3, KJV)

Watching is not just about knowing prophecy. It is about living in a way that honors the Lord if He were to return today.

4. Watch Through Sharing the Gospel

Jesus gave His followers a mission while waiting.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15, KJV)

A watchful Christian is concerned about the salvation of others, knowing that time is precious.

5. Watch With Expectation

Paul taught believers to actively look for Christ’s appearing.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13, KJV)

The early church lived with an expectation that Jesus could return at any time. They were not passive. They were eagerly awaiting their Lord.

A believer who watches is not setting dates. He is keeping his eyes on Jesus, his lamp full of oil, his Bible open, and his heart ready for the day when he hears the words:

“Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” (Matthew 25:6, KJV)

I personally am so grateful for this teaching. It has given me so much peace, and a closer connection to the Savior.