The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Watchfulness?
Jesus told His followers to stay awake and ready, since they do not know the hour of His return. Watchfulness is not anxious fear but living each day as those expecting Him.
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Jesus, in Matthew 24:42, King James Version
Live ready, since the day is unknown.
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
Jesus, in Matthew 25:13, King James Version
No one knows the time, so all should be ready.
“And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”
Jesus, in Mark 13:37, King James Version
The call to be ready is for everyone, not a few.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things.”
Jesus, in Luke 21:36, King James Version
Watching and praying keep the heart awake.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”
Jesus, in Matthew 26:41, King James Version
Staying alert guards us in the meantime.
What Jesus is really saying
To watch, in Jesus' meaning, is not to scan the horizon in dread but to live wide awake, faithful in the ordinary, ready to meet Him at any moment. It is the posture of someone expecting a beloved guest, keeping the lamp trimmed and the door unlocked. Readiness is love that stays awake.
Who these words reveal Him to be
He tells us to watch for the coming of the Lord, and He is that Lord. Only God returns in glory to judge and to gather, and Jesus says plainly that He is the one for whom we wait. He is not a teacher pointing to some future king; He is the King who is coming. To be ready is simply to be found in Him, the Savior whose appearing is the blessed hope of all who love Him.
Come to Him
You do not need to fear the future if you belong to Jesus; you only need to stay close and ready. Live each day for Him, and whenever He comes, you will meet Him with joy.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.