What Jesus Did! 'Longing for the Son of Man' — Luke 17:22-24

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Then Jesus said to his followers, "The time will come when you will want very much to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not be able. People will say to you, 'Look, there it is!' or, 'Look, here it is!' Stay where you are; don't go away and search. "{You will know it} when the Son of Man comes again. On the day when he comes he will shine like lightning flashes across the sky."
— Luke 17:22-24 NLT
Illustration of Luke 17:22-24 NLT — "The time will come when you will want very much to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not be able."

Key Thought

Jesus warns about two things important to disciples. First, they will long for the presence of the Son of Man—in other words, Jesus will be leaving them. Second, after Jesus has returned to God, people will make false claims that Jesus has returned and trouble his disciples into thinking they have missed his return. To the latter warning, Jesus makes a promise that when he returns, no one will miss his coming and no one will doubt his return. His return will be as clear as lightning which shatters the darkness of the night sky. As Christians, we wait in hope for this day and we long for the appearing of the Son of Man. Until that day and while we feel this longing, let's make every moment count as we live to honor our returning Lord and King!

Today's Prayer

God, my Abba Father, I long for the day I come home to you and share in the glory of your Son and the angels that will accompany him on his return for your children. Until that day, empower me to live boldly for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Revelation 1:4-7
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52-53

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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