Jesus is coming, are you ready?
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
— Luke 12:40
Questions to cover:
What does this verse teach us?
What does it mean to “be ready”?
What does it mean that Jesus, the Son of man, will come at an hour when we think not?
Luke 12:40 says, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” This powerful verse teaches us to always live in expectation and readiness for the return of Jesus. It serves as a reminder to stay spiritually vigilant, not just for a future event, but as a daily posture of faith. To "be ready" means more than just anticipating a future moment—it's a call to live a life shaped by the teachings and example of Christ.
What Does It Mean to "Be Ready"?
Being ready, in this context, is a state of spiritual preparedness. It's about living each day as if Jesus could return at any moment. This doesn't mean living in fear but walking in the peace and assurance of God's presence, knowing that we are called to live in alignment with His will. Jesus, in Matthew 24:44, echoes this thought by urging, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Our readiness is tied to our walk with Him, living with a heart of repentance, grace, and holiness.
Galatians 5:16-17 helps us understand what this "walk" looks like: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” When we walk in the Spirit, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our steps, turning away from the desires of the flesh and toward the fruits of a Christ-centered life—love, joy, peace, and faithfulness.
What Does It Mean to "Walk"?
I had to ask myself this question while writing because it was capitalized by Paul for a reason, but I didn’t know the reason. The term “Walk” in this passage is significant. When we dig into its original language—Hebrew and Greek—we find layers of meaning that deepen our understanding. In Hebrew, "Walk" is translated as hâlak, which means to go, move, or proceed. It also can imply a way of life. In Greek, "Walk" is translated as peripateó, which means to walk around, live, or conduct one’s life. Both translations emphasize that "walking" is more than a physical act—it represents a continual, conscious decision to live according to God's ways. It means to develop a relationship with Jesus and not simply a religion. Religions do not create oneness, but a relationship, that does. We don’t only see that in relation to walking with Jesus, but also in marriage as we become one flesh.
When we capitalize "Walk," it highlights a life journey, a relationship walking with Jesus. It’s a deliberate act of choosing to live in accordance with the Holy Spirit. This is what being ready means—not just preparing for a specific moment, but embracing a lifestyle of faithfulness, love, and obedience to God.
The Unexpected Return of Jesus
The phrase “for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” calls us to be constantly aware that the return of Jesus is unpredictable. We may get caught up in the routines of life, but Jesus warns against becoming complacent. The early Christians lived with this sense of urgency, and we are called to do the same.
This isn’t about living in constant worry about when Jesus will return, but about making sure our lives reflect His love and grace at all times. By walking in the Spirit, we cultivate a readiness that transcends fear. We are actively preparing, not just for the end times, but for every moment in which we can glorify God through our actions and words.
Living a Life of Readiness
In essence, to be ready for Christ’s return is to live in alignment with Him daily. It’s about surrendering our fleshly desires and letting the Holy Spirit guide our lives. It’s not merely a call to watch for signs of the times, but to engage with the world around us, walking in the truth of God’s word, bearing fruit in our daily lives.
When we “Walk” in the Spirit, we create a life that is ever-ready for Christ’s return—a life rooted in love, faith, and the continual pursuit of holiness. That’s the heart of Luke 12:40: not just waiting for Jesus, but actively living in His presence and power every day.
This is a message of hope. Jesus will return, but as we walk with Him now, we experience the fullness of life that comes from living in the Spirit. The readiness we are called to is not just for the future but for the present—a readiness to meet God in every moment, prepared and filled with the Spirit.
It begins with where and what you seek:
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This verse connects to Luke 12:40 by showing that seeking God's Kingdom above all else naturally prepares us for Christ's return. When we focus on His righteousness, we align our lives with His will, walking in the Spirit and living in a state of readiness.
Seeking the Kingdom first means our hearts and minds are centered on God, and everything else falls into place. We won't be caught off guard by Jesus' return because our lives are already aligned with His purpose. Living a life rooted in God's Kingdom is the essence of being ready.
