What does it mean that Jesus will return like a thief in the night?

what does the bible say?

The New Testament indicates that Jesus' return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night, meaning no one knows the exact time He will return (Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–2; 2 Peter 3:10). Paul urges believers to stay spiritually awake, prepared, and fully devoted to Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:6). This includes growing in faith, avoiding spiritual complacency, and actively following God’s will. Believers are also called to be sober-minded, keeping their focus on God rather than distractions or sin. Finally, we must encourage one another in faith, reminding each other of Christ’s return and strengthening each other to live faithfully (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

from the old testament

Jesus’ return as a thief in the night is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 Paul writes, "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." Paul had just noted that his readers did not need information about the exact time or season Jesus would return. Instead, Jesus would return at any moment, unexpectedly like a thief in the night.Paul commanded his readers, "So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). This command calls us to be awake and sober, ready for Christ’s coming.Paul concludes his teaching in this section by saying, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). These believers were already encouraging and helping one another. Paul instructed them to continue these practices.

implications for today

The analogy of a thief in the night was a common one in Paul's culture. A thief did not generally operate in the daytime since he could be seen. Instead, he would commit his crime in the cover of darkness where his identity could be concealed. When a home was empty, he could enter and steal items without being detected. Even when someone was home, a thief could quietly enter and steal without being seen.

Since Jesus is coming at an unexpected time, like a thief in the night, Paul calls believers to three things. First, we are not to sleep. This means we must be prepared for Christ's coming, both in believing in Him (as the Thessalonian believers already had) and by living a godly life.

Second, Paul commanded us to keep awake. This means more than merely not sleeping. We are not to simply keep one eye open spiritually but to be fully awake, completely committed to serving Christ. We are to follow God, paying attention to what He is doing and calling us to do. This means we abide in Him and grow in our relationship with Him by studying His Word, praying, living in community, serving Him, and more.

Third, we are to be sober. In other words, we are to make efforts to stay healthy and fully alert in our walk with God. We are not to serve God apathetically or half-heartedly, but rather serve Him passionately. We are not to let sin or selfish desires crowd out our ability to follow Him.

Instead, like the Thessalonians, we are to encourage one another that Jesus is coming back. We can better serve the Lord "awake and sober" when we encourage other believers, build them up, and are, likewise, encouraged by them. The Christian life is is a team sport, not a solo effort. For unbelievers, Jesus coming back as a thief in the night is a reality check or a wake-up call to respond to salvation. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, and we should be prepared Christ's sudden return highlights the urgency of deciding to follow Him today. It reminds us that time is limited, and the opportunity to repent and accept God's grace will not last forever. Believers are responsible for sharing this message and calling others to embrace the hope and redemption found in Christ before it's too late.