Answers · Shadows & Substance
Can we know when Jesus will return?
No one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36) — but Shadows & Substance argues we are meant to know the season by the signs. Jesus rebuked those who could read the weather yet could not "interpret the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3). The right posture is joyful, watchful anticipation — like a bride awaiting the groom — not date-setting, and not fear.
The day vs. the season
Two statements stand together. "Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36) — so date-setting is off-limits. Yet Jesus also said, "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3) — so the season is meant to be known. We are kept from the date but called to read the season.
He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
Matthew 16:2-3 (ESV)
Daniel’s magi
A distinctive insight of Aaron Smith: the magi who anticipated the first coming were plausibly heirs of Daniel’s own order, reasoning from the seventy-weeks prophecy (Daniel 9). They read the season, prepared, and were watching when the sign appeared. The same posture is asked of us — discernment that leads to readiness.
Hope, not fear
Preparedness here is joyful anticipation, not dread — the bride keeping her lamp trimmed for the groom. Anyone who sets a date has already missed the point; anyone who reads the season with hope has caught it.
Frequently asked
Has anyone ever correctly set a date?
No — and Scripture warns against it. Every date that has been set has failed. The day and hour belong to the Father alone.
If we cannot know the day, why watch at all?
Because Jesus commands it and ties blessing to it. We watch the season through the signs, the way the magi did, so that we are ready and unsurprised.
Should the end times make me afraid?
No. The framework is deliberately held in hope, not alarm — the believer’s future is secure in Christ.