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(Prolog) Keep It In Context.2
- Jun 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 14
John 14:1-6 (New International Version) {Paraphrased}
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
{And Jesus said,}
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. {Believe} in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus, the Way to the Father
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
What Is Jesus Talking About in Verse 3?
Verse 3 must be understood in the context of the entire chapter. To interpret a verse accurately, it is essential to consider the surrounding verses. John 14 contains 31 verses, all of which focus on Jesus speaking about His return to heaven—His Father’s house—after His crucifixion. Chapters 13 through 17 of John record Jesus’ words before His sacrifice for our sins.
When Jesus says in verse 3 that He is going to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house, He is referring to the time after His crucifixion and ascension. This means that after Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, He began preparing the New Jerusalem for us until His return.
In John 14:3, Jesus Refers to His return and the Rapture Simultaneously
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you {after My ascension}, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.
Jesus clearly portrays His return with the rapture in this verse. Jesus' return and the rapture are two separate events, but He refers to them as one event in one verse. The return of Jesus is to vanquish evil on earth and establish His millennial reign. The rapture is when Jesus, ion the sky, takes the church to heaven before He returns with them. This means that when Jesus returns that He will also do the rapture in that event. Jesus is coming to take us to be with Him when He returns.
Jesus didn't say in verse 3 that He will come back and establish His millennial reign, but that He will come back to take us to be with Him. Implying the rapture and indicating that He will do the rapture when He returns, making both the rapture and the return of Christ one event that happen simultaneously.
The rapture thus happens on the day that Jesus returns, as Jesus also says it will in Matthew 24:30, 31. The return of Jesus and the rapture are two separate events that happen simultaneously, which we'll get to below in this message.
Misinterpretations of Verse 3
Some people take verse 3 out of context, claiming it refers to Jesus returning to heaven after coming back to gather His bride (the church) in the rapture. However, Jesus is clearly speaking about His ascension to heaven after His crucifixion, not a later event. He was referring to going to heaven immediately after His resurrection, not hundreds of years later after the rapture.
The Rapture and the Marriage Supper
Many believe that Jesus meets His followers in the air during the rapture and then returns to heaven for seven years during the Tribulation. They interpret verse 3 as Jesus taking His bride to heaven for the marriage supper and preparing to return to earth to fight and establish His millennial reign. However, this interpretation is not supported by the context of John 14.
Verse 3 is not about Jesus returning to heaven after the rapture but about His ascension following His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus ascended to heaven approximately 44 days after His resurrection to prepare a place for us. His return for His followers, as described in verse 3, refers to the rapture, which will occur hundreds of years after His ascension.
Keeping the Context of John 14:2-3
It is crucial to keep verses 2 and 3 in context. These verses are about Jesus’ ascension to heaven after His crucifixion, not about returning to heaven after the rapture. Jesus came to earth to die for our sins and then returned to heaven to prepare a place for us.
Some argue that verse 2 refers to Jesus returning to heaven after the rapture. However, verse 2 speaks of His ascension 40 days after His resurrection. The rapture is mentioned in verse 3, specifically in the latter part of the verse (3-B).
The Sequence of Events
Jesus does not return to heaven after the rapture. Instead, He descends from heaven, raptures the church in the twinkling of an eye, and then returns with His followers to earth to establish His millennial reign. The marriage supper of the Lamb occurs after Jesus’ return, not before it. The rapture and the marriage supper happen on the same day as Jesus’ return and continue throughout the millennium (Revelation 20-22).
Clarifying Misconceptions
Some believe that Jesus remains in the sky for seven years after the rapture while the Tribulation occurs on earth. They claim He then returns to heaven for the marriage supper before coming back to earth. However, this contradicts Matthew 24:30-31, where Jesus begins His return, visible to everyone on earth, and performs the rapture during His descent.
The rapture happens immediately after Jesus’ return, not seven years later. Jesus begins His return during the Tribulation to end it, not after it. The rapture and the marriage supper occur on the same day as His return.
Final Thoughts
To summarize:
Jesus’ words in John 14:2-3 refer to His ascension after His crucifixion, not His return to heaven after the rapture.
The rapture occurs during Jesus’ descent, not before or after His return.
The marriage supper of the Lamb happens after Jesus’ return, not during a seven-year period in heaven.
Those who know the voice of God will recognize the truth in His Word. Amen.
What comes first in Matthew 24:30, 31, the return of Jesus or the rapture?
To address this question, you can explain the sequence described in Matthew 24:30-31:
The passage first mentions the return of Jesus: "They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Following this, it describes the gathering of His elect by the angels, which is often associated with the rapture: "He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds."
This indicates that the return of Jesus comes first, followed by the rapture.
Understanding Matthew 24:30-31: The Return of Jesus and the Rapture
To appreciate the core message of Matthew 24:30-31, it is essential to understand the broader context in which these verses were written. Matthew 24 is part of what is commonly referred to as the Olivet Discourse, a teaching moment where Jesus shares revelations about the end times with His disciples.
In Matthew 24:4-28, Jesus discusses various signs of the times, such as wars, famines, and natural disasters. He warns His followers about false prophets and emphasizes the need for vigilance. As He continues, the tone shifts toward a hopeful promise of His return, specifically highlighted in verses 30 and 31.
Deciphering Matthew 24:30
Matthew 24:30 states, "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
This verse lays the foundation for understanding how Jesus' return is depicted. The phrase "the sign of the Son of Man" can be interpreted in various ways. Many theologians suggest that this sign signifies a divine confirmation of Christ’s power and authority.
The image of Jesus coming "on the clouds" is a powerful one, suggesting not only His majesty but also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (see Daniel 7:13-14). Thus, the return of Jesus is portrayed as a definitive event that brings about significant emotional responses, specifically mourning among the tribes of the earth. This mourning could symbolize recognition of wrongdoings and a sense of loss as humanity confronts the full weight of their choices.
Exploring Matthew 24:31
Following this picture of Jesus' return, Matthew 24:31 articulates, "And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
This verse clearly introduces the concept of gathering the elect, commonly associated with the rapture. The role of angels here emphasizes the grand scale of this event. The “loud trumpet call” serves as a significant signal, reminiscent of the Jewish tradition where trumpets were used to convey important messages.
The gathering of the elect highlights a theme of separation, where the faithful are collected in response to Jesus' return. This raises theological questions around the timing of the rapture in relation to the second coming of Christ. Are these two events the same, or do they occur sequentially?
Theological Interpretations: What Comes First?
Within the Christian community, various interpretations exist regarding the sequence of the return of Jesus and the rapture. Here are a few prominent viewpoints:
Pre-Tribulation Rapture
This belief holds that the rapture will occur prior to the period of tribulation described in Revelation. Supporters argue that Matthew 24:31 shows the rapture happening immediately after Jesus' return. They interpret "gather his elect" as occurring when Jesus comes, suggesting that believers will be taken up at that moment.
Mid-Tribulation Rapture
This perspective posits that the rapture will occur in the middle of the tribulation period. Proponents often cite specific interpretations of prophecy that support this timeline. They believe the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 must happen first, but that believers will still be saved from the worst of the trials to come.
Post-Tribulation Rapture
Other believers maintain that both events occur concurrently. They affirm that Jesus will return and the rapture will happen at the same time, based on the close proximity of the two events in the verses. This view emphasizes endurance during tribulation as an essential part of a believer's faith journey.
The Significance for Believers
Understanding the sequence of the return of Jesus and the rapture has critical implications for believers. The anticipation of His return offers hope, urgency, and a call to faithfulness. Regardless of when the rapture occurs within the timeline, believers are encouraged to maintain vigilance, spread the gospel, and live in a manner that reflects their faith.
Community discussions, gatherings, and studies often revolve around these verses. Church groups engage in discourse about end-times events, emphasizing the importance of being ready for Jesus' return, whether through personal piety or active participation in ministry.
Living with Expectation: The Call to Vigilance
The central message of Matthew 24:30-31 challenges believers to remain vigilant. Jesus himself emphasized this throughout the Olivet Discourse. The sequence of events encapsulated in these verses serves not just as a prediction but as a call to action.
The anticipation of Christ's return may influence daily living. Here are ways to cultivate a mindset of readiness:
Engage in Scripture Study: Delving into the Word can provide divine insights and a clearer understanding of biblical prophecies.
Participate in Community Worship: Structured gatherings allow believers to reinforce their faith while encouraging each other.
Broadcast the Good News: Sharing the gospel plays an essential role in Christian living and preparation for Christ's return.
Pray for Guidance: Prayer can help clarify personal responsibilities in the face of prophecy and encourage living a life of purpose.
Ultimately, the events described in Matthew 24:30-31 serve to unite believers in expectation and hope, reminding them of the significance of their faith journey in the light of these prophetic insights.
As you reflect on these verses, consider which perspective resonates with your beliefs and how that informs your day-to-day life. Whether you lean towards a pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation view, the core invitation remains the same: remain watchful and faithful as you wait for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
Embracing the Promise of His Return
As we conclude our exploration of Matthew 24:30-31, remember that the promise of Jesus’ return is central to Christian faith and identity. With each sign unfolding, believers are called not just to observe but to participate actively in the preparing of their hearts and communities for His coming. The anticipation should ignite passion for the kingdom and an unwavering dedication to live for the glory of God, bearing witness to the hope each of these prophecies instills.
In understanding what comes first in these prophetic declarations, let us focus not just on the timeline, but the ultimate call to love, serve, and be a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it.
