Comparing the Comings of Christ

Biblical History describes Jesus' First Coming to earth

The Night host at the Bethlehem Inn had a successful night with the Roman census driving so many residents back home to be counted. He had closed up early and probably planned to turn in soon. He had no idea a pregnant Jewish girl named Mary traveling with her betrothed husband would be needing a room that night.

"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:7

Even the clueless Magi from the East didn't know of Jesus' birth until they saw a star and inquired in Jerusalem about the "King of the Jews" whereabouts.

When God's son first entered into history as a newborn baby, all those around him were simply going about their business. No one was preparing for the newborn King of Kings. No one was planning a party, an inauguration, nor a baby shower. The shepherds were watching their sheep like they did every other night.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." Luke 2:8

It is true that many were waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, to come, yet none were prepared for his appearing nor did they know what this "first coming" would look like. Once when Jesus returned to his hometown, people pushed back when they heard Him teach.

"Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? And they took offense at him." Mark 6:3

Today, as we celebrate this "first coming" of God's son into the world, it behooves us to ready ourselves for his "second coming" as it may occur in much the same way as the first! In fact, the New Testament confirms this.

How Jesus' Second Coming will be like His first

It will be unannounced - There is no timetable available for His return 

"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

People will be going about their business as usual - Life just goes on. 

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 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" Matthew 24:37, 38

It will be surprising - Expect the unexpected.

This last point is made by looking at a couple of parables Jesus told about his returning. First, the parable of the Sheep and the Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46. Both the saved (sheep) and the lost (goats) are surprised that "whatever they had done (not done) for the least of these, they had done for Jesus." Secondly, the parable of the workers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-16 concludes with a surprise ending. All the workers, regardless of when they began their work day, received the same pay. 

What can we say about this? Just to "Be ready." Like a thief in the night, we do not know when Jesus will return. We must strive to keep ourselves pure, humble, and active as we anticipate this spectacular time-ending, life-changing event!