The phrase “Jesus will return like a thief in the night” comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 which says, “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” This verse, along with several other passages in the New Testament, refer to Jesus’ second coming as being sudden and unexpected, like a thief breaking into a home at night.
The metaphor of Jesus returning like a thief contains several implications:
1. His coming will be unexpected
Thieves typically come when they are not expected. Homeowners do not know precisely when a thief will break in. Likewise, Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). His coming will catch many people off guard.
2. His coming will be stealthy
Thieves try to enter homes quietly, without the owners becoming aware. Similarly, Jesus’ return will happen suddenly, like a “thief in the night,” rather than slow and out in the open.
3. His coming will have negative consequences for those unprepared
When a thief breaks in, the consequences are bad for the homeowner. Those who are spiritually unprepared when Jesus returns will also face negative consequences (Matthew 24:42-44). Judgment will come upon those who do not know Him.
4. Only those awake and alert will notice His coming
Thieves try to come when homeowners are sleeping and unaware. But those who are awake may notice signs of the break-in. Similarly, Jesus’ return will be evident only to those who are spiritually awake and watching for the signs of His return (Luke 21:34-36). Those who are unprepared will be caught totally unaware.
5. His coming requires vigilance and preparation
Knowing that thieves may come at any time, homeowners take precautions to protect their home. In the same way, Jesus exhorted believers to be morally alert and spiritually prepared for His return (Matthew 24:42). Those who live obediently and practice spiritual discipline will be ready when He comes.
In summary, Jesus’ metaphor of returning like a “thief in the night” vividly reinforces several truths: 1) He will return suddenly when least expected, 2) His return will stealthily surprise those not ready, 3) dire consequences await those unprepared, 4) only spiritually vigilant believers will recognize the signs, and 5) readiness requires faithful obedience and spiritual preparation.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized these truths about His return to motivate watchfulness and encourage preparedness among His followers. Though He will come unexpectedly, believers can get ready by pursuing holiness, avoiding spiritual apathy, and being alert to the signs of His return. His coming will bring terror for those found unfaithful, but great reward for those awaiting their Master (Luke 12:35-40).
As the day of Christ’s return draws closer, believers must heed Jesus’ warning to stay spiritually awake and be ready. Though He will come like a thief, devote disciples living in obedience will joyfully welcome Him as the rightful master of the house.
Common New Testament Passages on Jesus’ Return
Here are some key passages that discuss Jesus returning like a thief:
- Matthew 24:36-44 – No one knows the day or hour; the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour.
- Luke 12:35-40 – Be ready for the Son of Man will come unexpectedly.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 – The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
- 2 Peter 3:10 – The day of the Lord will come like a thief.
- Revelation 3:3 – If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief.
- Revelation 16:15 – Behold, I come like a thief!
These passages unanimously highlight the sudden, unexpected nature of Jesus’ return and the need for spiritual wakefulness and moral readiness by His followers while they wait for His coming.
The Unknown Timing of Jesus’ Return
A key reason Jesus’ return is described as being like a “thief in the night” is because the timing of His return is unknown. Several passages emphasize that the day and hour cannot be predicted:
- Matthew 24:36 – Concerning that day and hour no one knows.
- Matthew 24:44 – The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
- Mark 13:32 – Concerning that day or hour, no one knows.
Just as thieves pick the time when homeowners least expect it, Jesus highlighted the complete unpredictability of His return. These passages rule out date setting or speculative predictions about when He will come back.
The Sudden, Swift Nature of Jesus’ Return
Another reason Jesus’ return is portrayed as a “thief in the night” is because it will transpire suddenly without delay. Several verses describe the abruptness of His coming:
- Luke 17:24 – As lightning flashes and lights up the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.
- 1 Corinthians 15:52 – The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
- Revelation 1:7 – Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.
These passages do not allow time for drawn out preparations or last-minute appeals. When Jesus returns, it will transpire instantly like a lightning bolt flashing across the sky. No one will be able to stop it or slow it down.
The Need for Spiritual Wakefulness
Since Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected, He repeatedly emphasized the need for spiritual vigilance and wakefulness:
- Matthew 24:42 – Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
- Mark 13:35 – Therefore stay awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come.
- Luke 12:37 – Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
His followers are to live with a constant sense of eager anticipation for His return. Spiritual apathy and dullness can gradually lull believers into a false sense of security. To avoid being caught off guard, disciples must maintain an ongoing attitude of vigilance, attentiveness, and urgent expectancy.
The Need for Moral Preparation and Obedience
Since no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, His followers must diligently maintain a high ethical standard at all times. Numerous passages warn against spiritual apathy and compromise:
- Matthew 24:45-51 – The master will come on a day the servant does not expect and will cut him in pieces for drunkenness and poor behavior.
- Luke 12:45-48 – The master will come on a day the servant does not expect and will cut him in pieces for poor behavior.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love.
- 2 Peter 3:14 – Since you are waiting for these things, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish.
Jesus’ startling return necessitates constant obedience, sobriety, holiness, and ethical preparedness. His followers must resist the pull towards spiritual drowsiness, sinful habits, and compartmentalized discipleship.
The Element of Surprise
One recurring emphasis in the thief metaphors is the stunning element of surprise. Jesus’ return will catch people at unguarded moments doing everyday normal activities:
- Matthew 24:37-39 – In the days of Noah they were eating, drinking, and marrying until the flood came suddenly.
- Luke 17:26-30 – In the days of Noah and Lot, people were eating, drinking, and conducting business as usual.
Just as the Flood and Sodom’s destruction ambushed people, Christ emphasized that His return would shock people going about their daily business, not expecting His sudden appearance. His coming will rip unbelievers from their preoccupations and utterly shake worldwide society.
The Need to Watch for Christ’s Return
Because no one knows the day or hour of Jesus’ return, His followers must continually watch for the signs of His coming. He exhorted believers to look for prophetic signs signaling His imminent arrival:
- Matthew 24:32-33 – Learn the parable from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, you know summer is near. So also, when you see the signs, know that He is near.
- Mark 13:29 – When you see these things taking place, you know He is near.
- Luke 21:31 – When you see these things take place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
While disciples do not know the day or hour, they can discern the season of Christ’s return by noting trends, prophecies, and global conditions. Though always imminent, His return especially nears when prophetic signs converge and escalate.
The Calamitous Suddenness for Unbelievers
Though promising great reward and relief for troubled believers, several passages portray Christ’s return as deeply disturbing and disruptive for unbelievers:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – When they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction will come upon them.
- 2 Peter 3:10 – The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will pass away with a roar, the elements will be destroyed.
- Revelation 6:15-17 – Kings, princes, generals hide in caves from the wrath of the Lamb.
This shocking calamity – the day of the Lord – will overtake unbelievers with horrifying swiftness. Caught up in their own godless pursuits and lulled into false security, Christ’s appearance will destabilize every facet of society.
The Need to Remain Faithful Until Jesus’ Return
Knowing Jesus’ return looms ahead, His followers must remain faithful to the end. Several passages describe the need for enduring obedience:
- Matthew 24:13 – The one who endures to the end will be saved.
- Matthew 25:1-13 – The wise virgins who were ready went into the wedding feast; the foolish ones were unprepared when the bridegroom came.
- Luke 12:43 – Blessed is that servant whom the master will find so doing when he comes.
- Hebrews 3:14 – For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Jesus emphasized persevering faithfulness in watching, praying, pursuing holiness, and carrying out the tasks He assigned until He returns. His startling coming necessitates tenacity in obeying Christ’s teachings to the very end.
Promised Rewards for Faithful Disciples
While warning of judgments against unrepentant sinners, Jesus also promised great rewards for disciples found ready at His return:
- Matthew 24:45-47 – The master will put that servant in charge of all his possessions.
- Luke 12:37 – He will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table and come and serve them.
- Luke 12:44 – He will put him in charge of all his possessions.
- Revelation 22:12 – Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
Faithful followers who obediently carry out Christ’s will can anticipate breathtaking honor, responsibility, and preferential treatment when He comes. This promise spurs diligence, watchfulness, and persevering faithfulness until He appears.
Practical Applications
Recognizing that Christ’s return looms like a “thief in the night,” here are some practical applications for believers today:
- Live alert and sober lives – resisting sin, temptation, and spiritual dullness
- Maintain pure hearts, clear consciences, and blameless conduct
- Pursue active growth in faith, hope, and love
- Watch for global events fulfilling end times prophecies
- Be prepared to give an account for deeds done in the body
- Frequently gather for worship, prayer, and mutual encouragement
- Cultivate an attitude of eager expectancy and urgent readiness
- Constantly yearn for Christ’s return, even praying “Maranatha!” (“Come, Lord!”) (1 Cor. 16:22)
- Seek to win the lost while there is still time before judgment falls
- Look forward to promised rewards at Christ’s return
The suddenness of Jesus’ return necessitates diligent spiritual preparation today. Just as homeowners secure homes when thieves are active, believers must actively guard their hearts and live each day as though Christ could appear at any moment.
Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus!