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(Prolog) Keep It In Context
- Jun 9
- 9 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
John 14:1-6 (New International Version, Paraphrased)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1 {And Jesus said}, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
2 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?
3 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.
4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus, the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to Him,“ Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 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 correctly, it’s essential to consider the surrounding verses. John 14 contains 31 verses, and from verse 1 to verse 31, Jesus is speaking about His ascension back to heaven—His Father’s house—after His crucifixion and then returning for the church in the rapture. 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 His ascension after His crucifixion and resurrection. This means that after Jesus resurrected and ascended that He began preparing the New Jerusalem for us until His return for us in the rapture before He establishes His millennial reign.
Some people misinterpret this verse, claiming it refers to Jesus returning to heaven after the rapture. However, the context of this chapter clearly shows that Jesus is speaking about His ascension to heaven after His resurrection, not a later event. Jesus was referring to His immediate ascension after His resurrection, not after His return to get us in the rapture.
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 {in the rapture} 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 this one verse. The return of Jesus is to vanquish evil on earth and establish His millennial reign. The rapture is when Jesus while in the sky, takes the church to heaven before He returns with them to establish His millennial reign. Verse 3 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 before He establishes Hios millennial reign.
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 more into below in this message.
Misinterpretations of Verse 3
Many believe that because Jesus meets believers in the air during the rapture and does not immediately return to earth, that this is when the marriage supper of the Lamb occurs (1 Thessalonians 4:17). They argue that verse 3 implies a sequence of events: Jesus raptures the church, takes them to heaven for seven years during the Tribulation, and then returns to earth with them to establish His millennial reign after the Tribulation. 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 is not saying He will take His bride to heaven before the Tribulation and then return seven years later to fight with them against the world. Instead, He is speaking about His return to heaven approximately 44 days after His resurrection from the day that He spoke John 14:3.
The Timing of Jesus’ Return
Jesus’ ascension to heaven to prepare a place for us occurred immediately after His resurrection. His return to gather believers (the rapture) has not yet happened but will occur on the day of His second coming. When Jesus says in verse 2 that He is going to prepare a place for us, He is referring to His ascension after His crucifixion and resurrection. The return mentioned in verse 3 refers to the rapture, which will happen hundreds of years after His ascension and before He establishes His millennial reign.
It is important to keep the context in mind. Verses 2 and 3 are not about Jesus returning to heaven after the rapture but about His ascension shortly after His resurrection. Jesus came from heaven to earth to become the sacrificial Lamb for our sins.
Clarifying the Rapture and the Second Coming
Some claim that John 14:2-3 supports the idea that Jesus will return to heaven after the rapture and remain there for seven years while the Tribulation unfolds on earth. However, this is not consistent with the context of the passage. Jesus is speaking about His ascension to heaven after His crucifixion, not about returning to heaven after the rapture.
In Matthew 24:30-31, Jesus describes His second coming:
Verse 30: Jesus appears in the clouds, and everyone on earth sees Him.
Verse 31: Jesus gathers His elect (the rapture) after His descent begins.
If Jesus has already begun His descent in verse 30, how could He return to heaven after the rapture in verse 31? The rapture occurs immediately after Jesus begins His return. His return does not occur seven years after the rapture.
The Marriage Supper and the Millennium
The marriage supper of the Lamb does not happen before Jesus’ return but after it. The rapture and the marriage supper occur on the same day as Jesus’ return and continue throughout the millennial reign (Revelation 20-22).
Some argue that Jesus remains in the sky for seven years after the rapture, but this contradicts Scripture. Jesus begins His return during the Tribulation to end it. The rapture happens in the twinkling of an eye as part of His descent, and He does not return to heaven afterward. Instead, He establishes His millennial reign on earth.
Conclusion
The rapture and the second coming are part of the same event. Jesus begins His return, gathers His church in the rapture, and establishes His kingdom—all on the same day. The idea of a seven-year gap between the rapture and Jesus’ return is not supported by Scripture.
Let us remain faithful to the Word of God and trust in His promises. 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.
Darrin Pegram
June 9th, 2025
