7 Signs of Jesus' Return Your Kids Are Already Asking About

The Question You Didn't Expect at Bedtime

"Mommy, is Jesus really coming back?"

It always happens when you're tucking them in. Or during breakfast. Or in the middle of Target.

Your kids are hearing things. From Sunday school. From their friends. From songs and stories. And they're starting to ask the big questions about Jesus' return.

Here's the beautiful truth: They don't need to be afraid. They need to be excited.

The Bible calls Jesus' return "the Blessed Hope" for a reason. It's not a scary ending: it's the most wonderful beginning imaginable. And today, we're going to help you turn those curious questions into moments of joy and readiness.

The Midnight Picnic: A Story About Getting Ready

Once upon a time, in a cozy house at the end of Maple Street, the Martinez family got the most exciting news.

"Guess what?" Papa said, hanging up the phone with the biggest smile. "Uncle David is coming to visit!"

"When? When?" shouted Emma, bouncing on the couch.

"Soon," Mama said, her eyes twinkling. "He didn't say exactly when. Just that he'd surprise us."

Emma's little brother Lucas tugged on Mama's sleeve. "But what if we're sleeping?"

Papa knelt down and ruffled Lucas's hair. "Then we better be ready, even in the middle of the night."

And that's when Emma had the best idea.

"Let's have a midnight picnic! We can leave everything ready so whenever Uncle David comes: even if it's super late: we can celebrate right away!"

The whole family got to work.

Mama baked Uncle David's favorite cookies and put them in a special tin.

Papa checked the porch light three times to make sure it was shining bright.

Emma made a banner that said "WELCOME HOME" with every color she could find.

Lucas drew pictures and taped them to the windows so Uncle David would see them from the street.

Every night before bed, they'd walk through the house together.

"Is the light still on?" Papa would ask.

"Check!" Emma would say.

"Are the cookies ready?" Lucas would whisper.

"Check!" Mama would answer.

"Are our hearts ready?" they'd all say together.

And they'd smile, knowing that whenever Uncle David arrived, they'd be ready to welcome him with love.

One night: a Tuesday, actually: Lucas woke up to sounds downstairs.

His heart jumped.

He ran to Emma's room. "Emma! Wake up! I think someone's here!"

They tiptoed to the top of the stairs and saw the porch light glowing warm and golden. And there, standing in the doorway with his arms full of gifts, was Uncle David.

"I told you I'd come!" he laughed.

The family ran down the stairs. Papa grabbed the picnic basket. Mama brought out the cookies. Emma hung the banner. Lucas showed Uncle David every single drawing.

And right there, in the middle of the night, they had the most wonderful celebration.

Because they were ready.

Not afraid.

Not worried.

Just ready to welcome someone they loved.

Heart of the Story

Jesus promised He's coming back.

Not to scare us. To gather us home.

And just like the Martinez family got ready for Uncle David with joy instead of worry, we get to prepare for Jesus' return with excitement and love.

We keep our lights shining.

We keep our hearts ready.

We keep watching with hope.

Because the One who loves us most is coming back.

Scripture Memory Cards

For younger children (3-6):

"We are waiting for Jesus to come back!" (Based on Titus 2:13)

For older children (7-12):

"We wait for the blessed hope: the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." : Titus 2:13

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." : 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Parent Discussion Guide

Theological Foundation

This story connects to the Assemblies of God Fundamental Truth #13: The Blessed Hope. We believe in the personal, imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ: not as a fearful event, but as the fulfillment of our greatest hope and joy.

Questions for Ages 3-6

"Who is your favorite person to visit us?" Let them talk about grandparents, friends, or other loved ones. Then connect: "Jesus loves us even more than our favorite people do! And He's coming back to see us someday."

"How do we get ready when a special friend is coming?" Talk about cleaning up, making treats, and being excited. Then ask: "How can we get ready for Jesus? By being kind, loving others, and remembering Him every day."

Questions for Ages 7-9

"What did Jesus promise about coming back?" Read Matthew 24:30-31 together in a child-friendly translation. Emphasize that Jesus keeps all His promises.

"Why do you think Jesus wants us to be ready?" Explore the idea that being ready means living with love and kindness every day, not living in fear.

"What are some things happening in the world that remind us Jesus might come back soon?" Keep this light and hopeful. Talk about how the gospel is reaching new places, how Christians are sharing love everywhere, and how these are signs of God's big story unfolding.

Questions for Ages 10-12

"How does knowing Jesus is coming back change how we live today?" Discuss living with purpose, treating others with love, and staying connected to God: not out of fear, but out of joyful readiness.

"What questions do you have about Jesus' return?" Create a safe space for honest questions. If you don't know an answer, that's okay. You can explore it together.

"When you hear about wars, natural disasters, or hard things in the news, does it make you afraid? Why or why not?" Help them process that these signs don't mean we panic: they mean we watch with hope, knowing God is in control and His promises are true.

A Gentle Word About the Seven Signs

Your children may ask about specific signs they've heard mentioned. Here's how to frame them with hope:

The Bible mentions things like false teachers, conflicts between nations, natural events, the gospel spreading worldwide, challenges for believers, unusual signs in the sky, and finally, Jesus' glorious visible return.

But here's what matters most: these aren't meant to scare us. They're like signposts on a road trip, reminding us we're heading toward something wonderful.

Our job isn't to be afraid. It's to stay close to Jesus, love others well, and live ready: with our lights shining bright.

Family Craft: The Glowing Lantern

What you'll need:

• A clean glass jar or sturdy paper

• Tissue paper (yellow, orange, or white)

• Mod Podge or diluted white glue

• Battery-operated tea light or glow stick

• Markers or paint (optional)

How to make it:

The meaning:

Jesus said we are "the light of the world." While we wait for Him to return, we keep our lights shining by loving others, sharing kindness, and pointing people to Jesus.

Every time your child sees their lantern glowing, they can remember: we're getting ready with joy, not fear.

A Prayer to Pray Together

"Dear Jesus, thank You for promising to come back for us. Help us to be ready: not scared, but excited. Help us to shine our lights every day by being kind, loving others, and staying close to You. We can't wait to see You face to face. Amen."

Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org