After Jesus warned His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem, they asked Him when this would happen (Matthew 24:1-3). He then described various signs which would warn them that the day was approaching (Matthew 24:4-35).
However, after warning them of what to look for so they could escape the destruction that was coming against the city, He told them of another day that would have no such signs of warning – His return to judge the world at the last day.
Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:36-39).
Jesus said that life would be carrying on as usual before His return. There would be no signs to indicate it was approaching. So He said, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).
So remember that no one knows the day or the hour. Those who predict dates or point to signs of the end have misunderstood Jesus’ teaching. Rather than look for signs, we need to look to His word and conform our lives to it so we can be ready at all times.