#1253. Signs of the end (9/4/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we journey through our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series. 

From Luke 21, Jesus teaches us to recognise and respond wisely to the signs of the times.

You can listen to this devotional below:

In this section, we encounter two significant and distinct events: first, Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem; and second, His promise that He will one day return in glory—to judge the world and renew all things. In our last devotional, we focused on the destruction of Jerusalem. Today, we turn to the second part of Jesus’ message: His powerful and hope-filled promise of His return.

i. Great signs in creation pointing to Jesus’ Return (Luke 21:25–26)

Jesus tells us that various signs in the natural world will precede His return. Cosmic disturbances—events involving the sun, moon, and stars—as well as upheaval in nature, like violent seas and environmental disasters, will signal that the end is drawing near. These dramatic signs will cause widespread fear and confusion, as people sense that something beyond their control is unfolding. But for those who trust in Jesus, these signs are not a reason to panic—they are a reminder that His promises are being fulfilled and that His return is near.

ii. Jesus will come in glory (21:27)

There will come a day—at a time known only to God—when Jesus will return. And when He does, it won’t be in secret or in spirit, but in person, in unmistakable glory. His return will be visible, powerful, and awe-inspiring.

At His first coming, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey—humble and peaceful. But at His Second Coming, He will appear in the clouds with power and majesty. For those who belong to Him, this is not a moment to fear but a moment to hope for. As the world trembles, we are called to stand tall, lift our heads, and rejoice—for our redemption is drawing near.

iii. Remain alert and ready - Don’t be deceived or distracted, but through prayer and faith be ready (21:28-37)

Jesus uses the simple parable of the fig tree to teach us an important lesson: just as the budding of leaves tells us that summer is near, so too the signs He describes point to the nearness of His return. We are called to be spiritually alert—reading the times and living with expectation.

But Jesus also knows the dangers we face in the waiting. He warns us not to let our hearts become dulled—either by the pursuit of pleasure or by the weight of worry. The distractions and anxieties of life can slowly pull us away from trust and readiness.

Instead, Jesus calls us to live prayerfully and watchfully—to stay awake in faith, guarding our hearts and fixing our hope on Him. The goal is not to obsess over the timing of His return, but to be found faithful and standing firm when He comes.

Response

Jesus teaches us to recognise the signs of the times—not so we can predict the exact moment of His return, but so we can live wisely and faithfully in light of it. No single sign in the sky or on the earth can tell us when Jesus will return—but every sign serves as a reminder that He will return, and that we must be ready.

So let’s not respond with fear, like those who have no hope. And let’s not be swept away by speculation or sensationalism, like those with misplaced faith. Instead, let’s be people who wait well—patiently, prayerfully, and actively—living each day in light of His promised return.

He is coming again. Let’s be ready.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we explored Luke 21:5-37. This is quite a difficult passage. It covers three big ideas: Jesus’ prophecy regarding the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem; the signs of Jesus’ return in glory; and finally, that we are to be ready and on His mission whilst waiting. 

Discussion:

Note: This week is ‘SIV Week’ so we’ll focus on how we're seeking to bring our community to Jesus as we Serve, Invest and Invite. 

Please read Luke 21:5-37 and discuss:

• Mission inspiration from the text - What do verses 12-15 teach us about our mission, and have you had experiences that relate to this? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? (Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.)

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

Links:

• Audio version: https://communitychurchputney.podbean.com/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59qst6EonKlI0EZHLQsfBy?si=mcPUnkdZR2WDPqAiytnHAw

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/community-church-putney-sermons/id566901794

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDzzo5gqIx6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@communitychurchSW15