Jesus’ Command to Know the Times

One of the clearest themes in Jesus’ teaching about the end times is this: we are not to remain in the dark. In Matthew 24, Jesus outlines signs that will mark the generation of His return—global conflict, natural disasters, persecution, and the proclamation of the gospel to all nations. He not only describes these signs, but commands us to pay attention to them.
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door." (Matthew 24:32–33)

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew 16:3 for their inability to discern the signs of the times: "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." In contrast, He calls His people to be watchful and aware, not asleep or ignorant.

Many believers today are overwhelmed or disinterested when it comes to understanding end-time prophecy. But Jesus expected His disciples to recognize the season of His return, just as Simeon and Anna recognized the season of His first coming. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are not suggestions—they are urgent instructions for a generation that will witness these events.

There are at least 100 distinct prophetic signs throughout Scripture that give us insight into the generation of Jesus’ return. No other generation in history has seen as many of these signs converging at once: the regathering of Israel, technological advancement, global gospel preaching, mass deception, and increasing pressure against biblical truth. These signs should awaken, not frighten us.

Jesus told His followers, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). This watchfulness isn’t passive—it means living in readiness, being grounded in the Word, and fueled by intimacy with God. A watching heart is one that lives every day in light of eternity.

The Church must resist the temptation to be apathetic or lulled to sleep by comfort, entertainment, or cultural pressure. Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold, but He also promised that “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). To endure, we must stay awake.

At King’s House DFW, we take Jesus’ command seriously. We encourage believers to become students of the Word, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and ready for the return of our Bridegroom King. Watching and waiting is not passive; it is active preparation, faithful intercession, and joyful anticipation. He is coming soon—let us not be found unaware.