When will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7). Over the centuries, Christians have asked these two questions. And in every generation they’ve believed that Jesus was coming back in their lifetime because of signs and events that they observed during their day. Yet, 2,000 years later, we’re still trying to find the answers to these questions.

Instead of giving the disciples a specific time, Jesus gave a warning, “Don’t let anyone mislead you” (Luke 21:8). To ask “when” is to ask the wrong question. Instead, Jesus gave us these commands: “Watch out!” (Luke 21:34) and “Keep alert at all times” (Luke 21:36). Why these emphases? Are we supposed to watch for specified signs and to match these signs with fulfillments in current events? Let’s take a look.

“Watch out!” doesn’t mean we should look for the signs of His return, but for the dangers of misinterpreting these signs and mistaking them for conclusive proofs that the end of the world is here. These signs—false Christs and teachers, apostasy, conflicts, wars, disasters, earthquakes, famines, pandemics, persecution, the hatred and martyrdom of Jews and Christians (Luke 21:8-17)— have been fulfilled in every generation. Jesus made it clear, “Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately” (Luke 21:9).

Christ will return. That’s His promise (Luke 21:27). When? We don’t know (Mark 13:32-33). Is it near? Yes, it is nearer now than it was yesterday (Romans 13:11-12). Imminent? “The Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Soon? Perhaps today.

Jesus came as our Savior some 2,000 years ago. He will come again as Judge (John 5:22,27; Acts 17:31). “Don’t let that day catch you unaware” (Luke 21:34).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Nehemiah 8:1-18