Jesus said the time is not ours to know
When the disciples asked about the future, Jesus did speak about hardship, deception, the spread of the gospel, and his coming kingdom. Yet he drew a clear line around the exact timing. The day and hour are known to the Father, not to human beings trying to work out a calendar (Matthew 24:36).
After Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples again asked whether he was about to restore Israel's kingdom. He did not give them a date. Instead, he said the Father had kept times and seasons under his own authority, then directed them towards the work of being his witnesses (Acts 1:7-8).
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Signs are not a countdown clock
Jesus warned that wars, alarming reports, and upheaval would come, but he also said such events did not mean the end had arrived immediately (Matthew 24:6). These things can rightly move us to pray, care for suffering people, and remember that this world is not all there is. They should not make us confident that we have discovered the date of Christ's return.
Across the centuries, many sincere believers have made predictions that did not come true. Jesus had already warned his followers not to be misled by confident claims that he had appeared in some hidden place or that the moment had been identified (Matthew 24:23-26). Humility is wiser than speculation.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Be ready in the ordinary days
Being ready does not mean living nervously. Jesus calls his people to faithfulness: trusting him, loving others, praying, turning from sin, and carrying on with the responsibilities in front of them. His picture of readiness is a servant found doing the master's work when the master arrives (Matthew 24:45-46).
Paul uses similar language when writing to the church in Thessalonica. The Lord's day will not fit human predictions, so believers are called to be watchful and sober, living as people shaped by the light rather than fear (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
Hold the future with hope
Faithful Christians differ about how events such as tribulation, Christ's reign, and the final judgement fit together. But they share the central Christian hope: Jesus will return, evil will not have the final word, and God will make all things new (Revelation 21:3-4).
So it is possible to know that Jesus is coming back, because he promised it. It is not possible to know the date. Let that truth lead you away from rumours and towards steady hope, faithful living, and a closer reading of what Jesus actually taught (John 14:3).
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.