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How and why Jesus will return “as a thief”

The Two Times Jesus Said, “My Time Is Not Yet Come”: A Prophetic Look at God’s Appointed Times

Introduction

Throughout His ministry, Jesus made profound statements that often carried deeper prophetic meanings. Two such statements, “My time is not yet come,” reveal a powerful connection to God’s appointed feast days and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. These two moments point to Jesus’ first and second comings, each aligned with significant biblical feasts: Passover and Tabernacles. Understanding these moments opens a prophetic window into the work of Messiah as both the suffering servant and the reigning King.

1. The First “My Time Is Not Yet” — The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-4)

John 2:4 (KJV): “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.“

Context:

At the wedding in Cana, when they ran out of wine, Mary asked Jesus to intervene. His response, “Mine hour is not yet come,” pointed beyond the immediate moment to His ultimate purpose — the shedding of His blood as the New Covenant.

Symbolism:

  • Wine represents Jesus’ blood, the blood of the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27-28).
  • By saying, “My time is not yet come,” Jesus was pointing to Passover, when He would pour out His blood for the salvation of many.
  • His first coming as the Lamb of God would be fulfilled at Passover, when He would give His life for the sins of the world.

Fulfillment:

Luke 22:20 (KJV): “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

Thus, the first time Jesus said, “My time is not yet,” was a direct reference to His mission to die at Passover — the appointed time for the Lamb to be slain.

2. The Second “My Time Is Not Yet” — Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:1-10)

John 7:6 (KJV): “Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.”

John 7:8 (KJV): “Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.“

Context:

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), Jesus’ brothers urged Him to reveal Himself publicly. Yet, He answered, “My time is not yet come,” and delayed going to the feast, though He later went privately.

Prophetic Insight:

  • Feast of Tabernacles is the feast of God dwelling with His people, symbolizing Messiah’s reign on earth (Zechariah 14:16-17).
  • By saying, “My time is not yet come,” Jesus was pointing to His second coming, when He would return as King of Kings to establish His kingdom and dwell among His people.

3. The Connection Between the Two “Times” — First and Second Coming

Jesus’ StatementConnected FeastProphetic Fulfillment
“My time is not yet (Wine/Blood)” — John 2PassoverFirst Coming: Death on the cross, New Covenant ratified.
“My time is not yet (Feast of Tabernacles)” — John 7TabernaclesSecond Coming: King returns to dwell with His people.
  • At Passover, Jesus came as the Lamb, offering salvation.
  • At Tabernacles, He will come as the Lion of Judah, establishing His kingdom.

4. Feast of Tabernacles and the Millennium

Zechariah 14:16 (KJV): “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.“

Significance:

  • The Feast of Tabernacles will mark the beginning of the Messianic Kingdom (Millennium).
  • After Jesus’ return, all nations will be required to keep Tabernacles annually, coming to Jerusalem to worship the King.
  • One year after His return, the nations will again celebrate Tabernacles — a yearly reminder that God now dwells with man (Revelation 21:3).

Tabernacles’ Meaning:

  • God dwelling with His people, a picture of the ultimate fulfillment of redemption.
  • A celebration of the harvest — symbolizing the great ingathering of souls and the completion of God’s plan.

5. Final Summary: God’s Prophetic Timetable

  • Jesus’ first “My time is not yet” (John 2) pointed to His death at Passover — the sacrifice for sin.
  • Jesus’ second “My time is not yet” (John 7) pointed to His return at Tabernacles — to reign and dwell with His people.
  • Passover and Tabernacles are prophetic bookends of His first and second comings.
  • The Feast of Tabernacles will inaugurate the Millennial Kingdom, and nations will be called to worship Jesus year after year as the reigning King.

Conclusion

Jesus’ careful statements, “My time is not yet come,” were not mere delays but prophetic revelations of God’s perfect timing for redemption and kingdom. As He fulfilled Passover in His first coming, He will fulfill Tabernacles in His return — bringing God’s ultimate purpose to completion: dwelling with His people forever.

Revelation 21:3 (KJV): “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

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