Living Ready for His Return ... Unpacking the Message of Matthew 24:44
- Anthony Speciale
- Aug 8
- 8 min read
Greetings,
Living Ready for His Return
Jesus gives us a sobering and powerful reminder in Matthew 24:44 - “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Unpacking the Message of Matthew 24:44
Matthew 24:44 — “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — carries with it both a sober warning and a profound call to live each day with spiritual alertness. This verse reminds us that Christ’s return will not be scheduled on our calendars, nor will it come with an email reminder or breaking news alert before it happens. It is certain, but it will be sudden, and the time will not be announced. That means our readiness cannot be something we put off until tomorrow, nor can it be something we think we will address when life slows down or becomes more convenient. Readiness is a present-tense calling — it is about living in a state of preparedness now, in the midst of ordinary life.
When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing the natural tendency of the human heart to get distracted. We can easily drift into a mindset where spiritual matters are something to be handled later, while we focus on “more pressing” things today. But the reality is that there is nothing more pressing than the eternal condition of our soul. This readiness is not about living in paranoia or constant fear, but rather about walking each day in close fellowship with God, keeping short accounts, and making sure nothing in our life is left undone in our relationship with Him.
Readiness, in the way Jesus describes it, is a heart posture. It is about living with a mindset that this moment could be the moment He returns, and therefore, it should be a moment that honors Him. It involves consistent obedience, a life marked by repentance, and a willingness to follow Christ no matter the cost. It means making decisions as though we will stand before Him tonight. This approach changes the way we spend our time, the way we treat others, and the way we pursue the things of this world. If we truly believe that the Son of Man could come at an hour when we do not expect Him, then living for eternity will outweigh living for temporary gain.
This verse also speaks to our tendency to assume that tomorrow will be like today. Human beings are creatures of habit, and because we have experienced countless days without Christ returning, it can be tempting to think we will have countless more. But Scripture warns us against that kind of complacency. The Bible compares His coming to a thief in the night — sudden, unannounced, and unexpected. That is why a constant state of readiness is not just a suggestion; it is a command from our Lord. The most dangerous mindset a believer can have is, “I have time.” Time is a gift from God, but it is not promised to anyone.
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Being ready also means living without unfinished obedience. Often, God places something in our hearts — a step of faith to take, a sin to confess, a person to forgive, or a word of encouragement to speak — and we delay it. But readiness means no delay in obedience. It means that when God prompts us, we respond without hesitation. Every act of obedience, no matter how small it seems, is part of living ready for His return. And it’s not just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing righteousness. Jesus is coming back for a bride who is prepared, pure, and expectant.
Waiting for His return should not be passive; it should be active. It means we are not only keeping ourselves from spiritual drift but also engaging in the work of the Kingdom — sharing the Gospel, loving our neighbors, and stewarding the gifts God has given us. If we truly expect His return, we will live with urgency, not in a frantic or panicked way, but with a steady and intentional devotion to God’s mission. We will prioritize eternal impact over temporal comfort.
This verse also provides comfort in a world where uncertainty reigns. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. While the timing of His return is hidden from us, the certainty of it should anchor us. No matter how chaotic or corrupt the world becomes, we can rest in the fact that history is moving toward a God-ordained conclusion. His return is not a possibility; it is a guarantee.
Ultimately, Matthew 24:44 calls us to examine the question: If He came today, would I be ready? Not ready in the sense of having every earthly task completed, but ready in the sense of having a heart surrendered, sins confessed, relationships reconciled, and a life aimed toward His glory. It’s a call to live with eternity in view and to understand that every choice we make is either bringing us closer to readiness or pulling us away from it.
The unexpected nature of His return is not meant to scare believers, but to inspire holy living and unwavering devotion. It is an invitation to live fully awake, fully aware, and fully engaged in the mission of God. And when we live that way — day in and day out — His return will not catch us off guard. Instead, it will be the joyous fulfillment of the hope we’ve carried in our hearts all along.
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Matthew 6:19-21
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Here’s our 7-day weekly journaling plan centered on Matthew 24:44 — “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — designed to help you live in a constant state of spiritual readiness.
Day 1 – Understanding Readiness
Reflection: What does it mean to be spiritually ready for the return of Jesus? How would you explain it to someone else?
Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life where you are unprepared and to give you the wisdom to take action.
Day 2 – Living in Light of Eternity
Reflection: If you knew Jesus was returning today, what would you change about your attitude, words, or actions?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for a mindset that places eternal things above temporary concerns.
Day 3 – Guarding Against Complacency
Reflection: Are there habits, distractions, or compromises that have dulled your spiritual alertness?
Prayer Prompt: Confess any spiritual laziness and ask God to reawaken your passion for His Kingdom.
Day 4 – Watchfulness in Daily Life
Reflection: How can you keep watch for Christ’s return without falling into fear or obsessive speculation?
Prayer Prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to live faithfully each day while eagerly awaiting His coming.
Day 5 – Preparing Others
Reflection: How can you encourage friends, family, or coworkers to be ready for Jesus’ return?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for boldness and compassion to share the Gospel and help others prepare their hearts.
Day 6 – Responding to the World’s Distractions
Reflection: The world often tempts us to focus on success, pleasure, or personal gain. How can you resist being consumed by these pursuits?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to anchor your priorities in His will and give you the discernment to reject distractions.
Day 7 – Living with Joyful Anticipation
Reflection: How can the reality of Christ’s return bring you joy instead of anxiety?
Prayer Prompt: Thank God for the promise of His Son’s return and ask for a heart that looks forward to that day with excitement.
Closing thoughts as we pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...
Dear Beloved in Christ,
Living Ready for His Return
Jesus gives us a sobering and powerful reminder in Matthew 24:44 - “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
We don’t know the day or the hour of His return, but we do know this—it will happen.
And when it does, only those who are prepared in heart, mind, and spirit will be ready to meet Him with joy. Being “ready” isn’t about fear; it’s about faithfulness.
It’s living each day in obedience, walking closely with Him, keeping our hearts pure, and letting His light shine through us in every interaction.
May we live today as if He’s coming tonight—and tomorrow as if He’s still giving us more time to serve.
In Christ 🙏🏻
Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will
Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,
❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale
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