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

"Mom, is Jesus coming back soon?"

"Dad, why do earthquakes happen? Is the world ending?"

"Are we in the end times?"

If you've heard these questions at bedtime or during dinner, you're not alone. Kids are paying attention. They hear news reports, catch snippets of adult conversations, and absorb more than we realize.

And here's the beautiful truth: their curiosity about Jesus' return isn't something to avoid, it's something to celebrate.

The second coming of Christ is called "the blessed hope" for a reason (Titus 2:13). It's not a scary topic. It's the most joyful promise in all of Scripture. Jesus is coming back to make everything right, to wipe away every tear, and to be with us forever.

So let's walk through the seven signs of Jesus' return that your kids are already asking about, and talk about how to answer with truth, hope, and zero fear.

Sign #1: The Gospel Will Be Preached to All Nations

What the Bible says: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

What kids notice: "We learned about missionaries at church. Does that mean Jesus is coming back when everyone hears about Him?"

How to answer: Yes! And isn't that amazing? God wants everyone to know how much He loves them. That's why we tell people about Jesus: not because we're scared of the end times, but because we want everyone to know the best news ever.

Hope-filled truth: We get to be part of the story. Every time your family prays for missionaries, gives to missions, or shares Jesus with a friend, you're helping spread the good news.

Sign #2: Natural Disasters and Earthquakes

What the Bible says: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains" (Matthew 24:7-8).

What kids notice: "There was a big earthquake on the news. Is that a sign?"

How to answer: Jesus told us there would be earthquakes and natural events before He comes back. But here's the key: He said they're like "birth pains." You know what comes after birth pains? A baby! Something beautiful and new.

Hope-filled truth: These signs aren't meant to scare us: they're reminders that something wonderful is being born. A new heaven and a new earth where there's no more crying, no more pain, and Jesus is with us forever.

Parent tip: When disaster strikes and your kids see it on the news, acknowledge it honestly, pray together for those affected, and then remind them: God sees, God cares, and God is still in control.

Sign #3: The Rebirth of Israel

What the Bible says: Multiple prophecies point to Israel being regathered as a nation (Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 11:11-12).

What kids notice: "Why do we talk about Israel so much in church?"

How to answer: Keep it simple. God made promises to Israel thousands of years ago, and in 1948, Israel became a nation again: just like the Bible said would happen. That shows us God keeps His promises. And if He keeps His promises to Israel, He keeps His promises to us too.

Hope-filled truth: This isn't about politics or taking sides. It's about watching God's Word come true right before our eyes. That builds our faith.

Sign #4: People Will Turn Away from Faith

What the Bible says: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith" (1 Timothy 4:1).

What kids notice: "Some of my friends used to go to church, but they don't anymore. Is that bad?"

How to answer: Jesus warned us that not everyone would follow Him, and that's really sad. But here's what matters: We get to choose. No matter what anyone else does, our family chooses Jesus. And we can keep praying for our friends and showing them God's love.

Hope-filled truth: This sign isn't about judging others. It's a reminder to stay rooted in our faith, to keep reading the Bible, and to hold tight to what we know is true.

Sign #5: Signs in the Sky

What the Bible says: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars" (Luke 21:25).

What kids notice: "I saw a blood moon! Is Jesus coming back tonight?"

How to answer: God created the sun, moon, and stars, and sometimes He uses them to get our attention. A blood moon or an eclipse can be a beautiful reminder to look up and remember who made everything. But Jesus also said no one knows the exact day or hour He's coming back: not even the angels (Matthew 24:36).

Hope-filled truth: These signs aren't a countdown clock. They're breadcrumbs that say, "Stay awake. Stay ready. Stay excited."

Parent tip: Turn celestial events into worship moments. Go outside, look at the sky together, and thank God for His amazing creation and His promises.

Sign #6: Wars and Rumors of Wars

What the Bible says: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed" (Matthew 24:6).

What kids notice: "Why are countries always fighting? Is the world going to end?"

How to answer: Jesus actually told us not to be alarmed. Wars have happened throughout history, and they'll keep happening until He comes back. But here's the promise: God is still on the throne. He's not surprised or worried. And neither should we be.

Hope-filled truth: Even when the world feels scary, God is bigger. And one day, Jesus will bring peace that lasts forever.

Sign #7: Increase in Knowledge and Travel

What the Bible says: "Many will go here and there to increase knowledge" (Daniel 12:4).

What kids notice: "We can learn anything on the internet. Is that a sign?"

How to answer: The Bible says that in the last days, knowledge and travel will increase like never before. Think about it: we can video call someone on the other side of the world, fly to different countries, and learn about anything in seconds. That's incredible! And it helps the gospel spread faster.

Hope-filled truth: God uses everything: even technology: for His purposes. The same internet that can distract us can also spread the good news of Jesus to people who've never heard it.

How to Talk About the End Times Without Fear

Here's the most important part: The end times aren't about fear. They're about hope.

When your kids ask these questions, here's your parenting playbook:

Listen first. Don't dismiss their questions or tell them not to worry without hearing them out. Their curiosity is valid.

Answer with truth. Don't sugarcoat the Bible, but also don't add extra drama. Stick to what Scripture actually says.

Emphasize Jesus, not timelines. The point isn't to predict when Jesus is coming back (because we can't). The point is to be ready and to live with joy because we know He is.

Make it personal. Ask: "Are you excited to see Jesus?" "What do you think heaven will be like?" Turn the conversation toward hope, not anxiety.

Pray together. Close every conversation with a simple prayer thanking God for His promises and asking the Holy Spirit to help your family stay ready and joyful.

The Most Important Sign of All

You know what the greatest sign is? Not the earthquakes or the wars or the celestial events.

It's this: Jesus loves us so much He's coming back for us.

He's not coming to scare us. He's coming to be with us. To heal the world. To make everything new.

That's the story we get to tell our kids. Not a scary countdown, but a love story with the most beautiful ending ever written.

So the next time your child asks, "Is Jesus coming back soon?" you can smile and say:

"I don't know the day or the hour, but I know this: when He does, it's going to be the best day of our lives. And until then, we get to live with hope, share His love, and watch for the signs like kids on Christmas Eve."

Because that's exactly what we are.

Kids waiting for the greatest gift ever given.

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