Tuesday Contradictions–Matthew 24:30: Will Every Eye See Jesus? The “Invisible Return” Claim

Episode 296 examines the claim that Jesus’ second coming will be invisible based on John 14:19, and compares that passage with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Revelation, which describe His return as public and visible. Lance Smith looks at the immediate context of John 14, including Jesus’ conversation with His disciples before the crucifixion, and considers how the passage fits with His post-resurrection appearances. The episode also briefly considers the Watchtower’s invisible-return interpretation and other views of the “coming on the clouds.” The conclusion is that John 14:19 is not describing Jesus’ final return. When each passage is read in its proper context, the supposed contradiction disappears. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “Will Jesus's second coming be visible to all?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/seejesus.html  Robert M. Bowman Jr., “Does Christ Return Invisibly?” Institute for Religious Research – https://wit.irr.org/does-christ-return-invisibly GotQuestions.org – “What does it mean that every eye will see Him when Jesus returns (Revelation 1:7)?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/every-eye-will-see-Him.html “The Upper Room: There and Back Again” – BJU Seminary – https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/the-upper-room-there-and-back-again/ Precept Austin – Matthew 24 Commentary – https://www.preceptaustin.org/matthew-24-commentary Life, Hope & Truth – “Combating Confusion About Jesus’ Second Coming” – https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/end-times/olivet-prophecy/part-7combating-confusion-about-jesus-second-coming/ White Throne Ministries – “The Manner of Christ’s Second Coming” – https://whitethroneministries.org/resources/lessons/the-manner-of-christs-second-coming Watchtower Society – Reasoning From the Scriptures (Return of Christ section) – https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Reasoning-From-the-Scriptures/Return-of-Christ/