Are You Ready for the King’s Return? A Reflection on Luke 17:20-37

Have you ever wondered what it will be like when Jesus returns? The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing—it gives us clear glimpses into that day, urging us to be ready. In Luke 17:20-37, Jesus speaks to both the Pharisees and His disciples about the kingdom of God and His second coming. This passage is a wake-up call, a reminder that the King’s return is both certain and sudden. So, let me ask you: Are you ready? Let’s dive into this powerful Scripture and see what it means for us today.

The Kingdom of God is Among Us

Jesus starts by responding to the Pharisees, who asked when the kingdom of God would come. He says, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you" (Luke 17:20-21, ESV). Some translations say "within you," but since Jesus was speaking to unbelieving Pharisees, it’s better understood as "among you." The kingdom was right there in their midst—because Jesus, the King, was standing before them.

This is huge! Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought the kingdom of God to earth. As He said in Matthew 12:28, "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Today, that kingdom continues through the Holy Spirit and the church. As believers, we’re part of it—called to live out its values and proclaim its King. But here’s the thing: the kingdom isn’t fully here yet. We’re still waiting for the day when Christ returns to set everything right. That brings us to His next point.

The Sudden Return of the Son of Man

Jesus then turns to His disciples and shifts the focus to the future. He warns them, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it" (Luke 17:22). False messiahs will pop up, saying, "Look, there he is!" or "The time is here!" But Jesus says not to chase after them. When He returns, it won’t be subtle—it’ll be like lightning flashing across the sky, visible to everyone (Luke 17:24).

He drives the point home with two examples: the days of Noah and Lot. In Noah’s time, people were eating, drinking, and marrying—living life as usual—until the flood swept them away. In Lot’s day, folks were buying, selling, planting, and building until fire and sulfur rained down from heaven (Luke 17:26-30). The message? Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected, catching many off guard

Then comes a striking image: "I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:34-35). For many of us, this points to the rapture—when believers are caught up to meet Jesus in the air, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command... and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive... will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." One taken, one left. It’s a sobering thought: when that moment comes, there’s no second chance.

Living in Expectation

So, how do we live knowing Jesus could return at any time? He gives us practical advice: "On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife" (Luke 17:31-32). Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Jesus’ point is clear: don’t cling to this world. When He calls, we need to be ready to leave everything behind.

He adds, "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it" (Luke 17:33). This is a call to let go of worldly attachments—money, possessions, status—and fix our eyes on eternity. The apostle John echoes this in 1 John 2:15-17: "Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

But it’s more than just detachment. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we truly born again? Have we repented and trusted in Jesus alone for salvation? Because if we haven’t, we risk being the one left behind. Salvation isn’t about good deeds or church attendance—it’s about a personal relationship with Christ. If we’re in Him, we can face His return with confidence, not fear.

Are You Ready?

Here’s the bottom line: the kingdom of God is both now and not yet. It’s present through Jesus and His church, but it’s coming in fullness when He returns. That day could be today, tomorrow, or years from now—but it will come, and it’ll come like a thief in the night. So, I ask you again: Are you ready for the King’s return?

If you’re not sure, don’t wait. Talk to a pastor, pray, and open your Bible—start with John 3:16 and Romans 10:9. Make sure your faith is real. If you are ready, live like it. Share the gospel with your friends and family so they can be ready too. Jesus’ final words in this passage are mysterious: "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather" (Luke 17:37). It’s a picture of judgment—clear and unavoidable. Let’s not be caught unprepared.

May God give us the grace to live faithfully, watch expectantly, and shine as lights in a dark world until the King returns. Amen.

DMMC 7-14-25