The statement that “no one knows the day or the hour” comes from Mark 13:32, where Jesus says, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This verse has often been interpreted to mean that no human being can know the timing of Jesus’ return and the end times.
There are several key things to understand about this passage:
- It occurs within Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, his teachings about end times events delivered shortly before his crucifixion (Mark 13:1-37).
- Jesus is responding to questioning from his disciples about when the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem would occur. His statement indicates there is a limit to what can be known about God’s timing.
- By mentioning that even the Son does not know the day or hour, Jesus is affirming his humanity. As the incarnate Son, he voluntarily limited his knowledge (Philippians 2:6-7).
- However, after his resurrection and ascension, Jesus was given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Presumably this restored his knowledge of the end times.
Given this context, the overall point being made is that the Father alone has perfect knowledge and authority over the end times events. No one can know with certainty when Jesus will return. It will happen according to the Father’s timing and will catch people unprepared if they are not ready (Matthew 24:36-44).
At the same time, Jesus does provide some clues about general signs that will occur before his coming. In the Olivet Discourse and other passages, he warns about events like wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, apostasy, and the rise of false prophets (Matthew 24; Luke 21:5-36; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9). But the emphasis is more on being ready at any time than predicting a precise date.
Some key implications of “no one knows the day or hour” include:
- No human or spiritual authority can definitively predict Jesus’ return. Date setting tends to discredit the gospel (Matthew 24:36).
- We should resist trying to decode end times signs like some hidden script. Details will only become clear in hindsight (1 Corinthians 13:12).
- Instead of overanalyzing signs or dates, we should make knowing Jesus our priority (2 Peter 3:11-14).
- We need to live alert and ready for Jesus’ return at any moment (Matthew 24:42-44; Mark 13:35-37).
- God’s seeming delay is an expression of mercy and patience toward the lost (2 Peter 3:9).
- The uncertainty of the timing should motivate us to humble obedience and faithful service today (Matthew 24:45-51).
In summary, Mark 13:32 teaches us that the Father has kept the precise timing of Jesus’ return hidden in his sovereign plan. No one knows the day or hour – only that Christ is coming. This should encourage watchfulness, readiness, and holy living in the present as we eagerly await his return.
1. Jesus’ statement occurs within a discussion of end times prophecy
To better understand Jesus’ statement in Mark 13:32 that “no one knows the day or hour,” it’s important to see it in its broader context. These words are part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, an extended teaching prompted by questioning from his disciples.
As Jesus left the temple in Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, he predicted its coming destruction (Mark 13:1-2). This shocked the disciples, who then asked him, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” (Mark 13:4). In response, Jesus delivered a lengthy prophecy concerning the fall of Jerusalem and events of the end times leading up to his second coming.
His statement about no one knowing the day or hour comes within this end times context. In the verses immediately before, Jesus warns his disciples to be on guard, keep watch, and be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour they do not expect (Mark 13:33-37). The unknown timing of his return leads directly into his statement that no one knows the day or hour.
So this statement occurs in a passage where Jesus is answering questions from his disciples about his return and the close of the age. He makes the point several times that the exact timing is known only to God and that his followers must be in a continual state of readiness and anticipation.
2. It indicates there are limits on human knowledge of God’s timing
Jesus’ words in Mark 13:32 provide an important revelation about the nature of prophetic knowledge. Even Jesus himself, as the incarnate Son, did not know the day or hour of his return. This surprising statement is meant to counter the desire to know details and timing that God has chosen to keep hidden.
On the one hand, Jesus does provide many indicators, signs, and events that will occur before his second coming, such as wars, famines, persecution, apostasy, and the rise of false prophets. His prophecy gives an overall picture of how events will unfold. But the precise timing – the day and hour – remains unknown.
God in His wisdom has chosen not to reveal the specifics. As Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God.” The timing of Jesus’ return is among the “secret things” known only to God. Though prophecies can disclose much about end times events, they cannot disclose the date.
So Jesus’ words serve as a warning against date setting or using symbolic interpretations to nail down a precise timeline. They remind us that our human knowledge has limits when it comes to understanding all the details of how and when God’s plans will unfold.
3. It affirms Jesus’ human nature and incarnation
An important theological point made by Mark 13:32 is that Jesus voluntarily restricted his divine knowledge by becoming human. As the Son of God, Jesus shared omniscience with the Father and Spirit prior to the incarnation. But in taking on human flesh, he limited himself:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
By saying the Son does not know the day or hour, Mark 13:32 affirms that Jesus was fully human with all the natural limitations this entails. As theologian R.C. Sproul writes, “Jesus was omniscient as God, but as man He took on the finite properties of His human nature.” His statement about lacking knowledge shows Christ “was subject to true and genuine human experience.”
So paradoxically, the fact that Jesus doesn’t know something demonstrates his true humanity in concert with his deity. This is very different than teachings that Christ only appeared to be human. Jesus was fully God and fully man at the same time, emphasizing the depth of his incarnation.
4. After his ascension, Jesus was restored to full knowledge
While Mark 13:32 emphasizes Jesus voluntarily limiting his divine knowledge during his earthly ministry, other passages indicate he was restored to full omniscience upon his resurrection and ascension into heaven. For example:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet…When it says that “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:25, 27-28)
Having fulfilled his mission on earth, Jesus is now enthroned in heaven and exercises the full extent of divine authority. This suggests he has been restored to unlimited power and knowledge, including precise awareness of timing surrounding his return.
The New Bible Commentary concludes about Mark 13:32, “Since his ascension, Jesus resumed the full exercise of his divine omniscience.” So at present in his glorified state, Jesus likely no longer experiences the limitation of not knowing the day or hour. But he chose to endure that limitation while on earth to fully identify with humanity.
5. The emphasis is on being ready at any time
A major theme in Jesus’ teaching during the Olivet Discourse is on being watchful, ready, and prepared for his return at any unknown moment. Right after stating no one knows the day or hour, he says:
Stay awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning – lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake. (Mark 13:35-37)
His return will come suddenly and unexpectedly. Jesus further emphasizes this in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, concluding, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). His unknown coming is compared to a thief breaking in during the night (Matthew 24:42-44).
The point is to be perpetually ready and faithful in our service, rather than trying to discern dates. The end times will unfold according to God’s timing, and we must trust in His divine plan. Since we cannot know exactly when Christ will return, we must live as though it could happen at any moment.
6. Date setting tends to discredit the gospel
Given the clear teaching that no one knows the timing, date setting related to Christ’s return or the end times often brings ridicule and discredit to the gospel. Throughout history, groups and individuals have made dubious predictions that proved false when the predicted date came and went without incident.
For instance, the Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted Jesus’ visible return multiple times between 1914 and 1994. Edgar Whisenant wrote the popular book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. Both are contradictory to Jesus’ teaching in Mark 13:32. When such dates fail, unbelievers are offered an excuse to scoff and reject Christian claims.
Rather than speculating about dates, Jesus calls his followers to share the gospel and make disciples while awaiting his return with patience. Date setting tends to distract from these priorities and damages the witness of the church.
7. We should avoid overanalyzing end times signs
In addition to date setting, Jesus’ teaching in Mark 13 discourages excessive overanalyzing of end times signs. It’s easy to become preoccupied trying to interpret current events in light of biblical prophecy. For instance, identifying the Antichrist, analyzing numerical codes, or linking news to the four horsemen.
While general signs will occur before Christ returns, the emphasis is meant to be on readiness rather than getting caught up in decoding details. The fact that we cannot know the day or hour implies details will only become clear in retrospect, after prophecy has come to pass. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.”
Hypothesizing over how each current event fits into end times theories often breeds false urgency, fear, and unhealthy distraction. Jesus’ words remind us that the Father has chosen to keep the precise details hidden from human insight ahead of time.
8. Knowing Jesus should be our priority
Rather than consumed by curiosity over end times predictions, Jesus wants his disciples to be consumed with knowing him. Peter brings balance to Christ’s return when he writes:
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance…Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (2 Peter 3:9, 14)
Yes, Christ’s return is real and certain. But knowing Jesus personally should be of first importance to believers. Learning his ways, sharing his love, and living in light of eternity matter far more than theoretical knowledge about his return.
The unknown day and hour should prompt us to draw near to Christ, not merely try to analyze the signs. Relationship supersedes revelation. As Jesus declares, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
9. We must live alert and ready for Christ’s return
The clearest application from Mark 13:32 is that believers must live in continual readiness for their Master’s return. Jesus says his coming will be sudden and unexpected. Just as a homeowner must be prepared for a thief at any hour, his followers must be alert and ready at all times.
This means staying spiritually awake and sober. Guarding against laziness, apathy, compromise, andAbsorption in the things of this world. Rather, we should actively watch for Christ’s return and even pray for it: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
It also means faithfully carrying out our duties for the kingdom in the present, whatever our role may be. When the Master returns, he expects to find us Occupied with serving him. Those who persevere in obedience – however insignificant their roles may seem – will be rewarded (Matthew 24:45-47).
10. God’s patience means more time for the lost
Christ’s seeming delay in returning gives evidence of the Father’s patience and mercy. Peter writes that the Lord is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The longer God waits, the more chance people have to hear and respond to the gospel message.
No one knows exactly when the door will be shut. Until then, the opportunity remains open for unbelievers to repent. God draws out history, delaying the end, so that multitudes can come into his kingdom. His patience reflects his love.
As Psalm 103:8 declares, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Christ has tarried 2000 years because of God’s grace. But one day, maybe soon, maybe later, the end will arrive suddenly as predicted. We should make the most of the time remaining.
11. Christ’s return motivates us to faithful service now
Rather than merely speculate about prophetic details, the looming reality of Christ’s unknown return should motivate Christians toward greater faithfulness today. Paul writes:
You are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief…So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:4, 6)
Knowing the era is drawing to a close should rouse us to holy living and urgent kingdom work (2 Peter 3:11-13). Time is short, and there are still many lost who need Christ.
We have been given both a sober warning and a hopeful promise. Let us live as alert servants who joyfully await our Master’s homecoming, whenever that day finally arrives.
Conclusion
When Jesus declared “no one knows the day or hour,” he provided a critical revelation about the end times. This statement occurs in the midst of his Olivet Discourse, where he teaches about his return. The unknown timing indicates there are limits to human prophetic knowledge.
It also affirms Jesus’ humanity during his incarnation. But after his ascension, he resumed full divine authority and knowledge. The emphasis is on being ready at all times rather than date setting or overanalyzing signs.
Ultimately, this passage encourages watchfulness, faithfulness to Christ, and holy living in anticipation of his sudden return. Though the day and hour remain hidden for now, Jesus calls us to walk in godly readiness as we eagerly await his coming.