Was Jesus Christ supposed to return in 2017? Is 2017 a Jubilee year?

Quick answer

Some thought that Christ would return in 2017, which they calculated as a Jubilee year. However, Christ Himself indicated that no one but the Father knows the specific date of His return.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

According to the Old Testament, God told the Israelites to celebrate a “Jubilee” every fifty years (Leviticus 25:10). The Jubilee would be an entire year of celebration, rest, and release from debt (Leviticus 25:8–55). Judah ben Samuel, an ancient rabbi, calculated in AD 1217 that the savior would return during 2017, during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). However, the celebration and observance of years of Jubilee ceased when the northern tribes of Israel were carried off to Assyria in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:5–6; Hosea 9:3, 11:5). Besides, Jesus told His disciples that only the Father knows the specific date of Jesus’ Second Coming (Matthew 24:36-44). Predicting specific dates, then, is attempting to present special knowledge that Jesus already indicated we cannot know. Christians would be best served always being ready for Christ’s return and sharing the gospel so that others can prepare, too (Matthew 25:13).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament records God’s instructions for the Israelites to observe a Jubilee every fifty years that culminate in a year of celebration, rejoicing, rest, and release from debt (Leviticus 25:8–55). In the seventh month of the forty-ninth year, on the tenth day of the Jewish calendar, Jubilee would be ushered in with the sound of a loud trumpet. People often latch on to significant dates, such as Jubilee years, as the time for Jesus to return, but no biblical warrant exists for such notions.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

In Matthew 24:36-44, Jesus tells His disciples that only the Father knows the date of Jesus’ return. Any assertions about specific dates ignores Jesus’ words.
Of course, as Jesus stated, the time of His return is not known by anyone, so it could be today, tomorrow, or fifty years from now. Little good it does us to try to figure it out. Instead, our energy can be put toward drawing close to Jesus, keeping watch (Matthew 25:13), and telling others the Good News that Christ came to set us free from slavery to sin.
The Bible says that Jesus' Kingdom will be established after seven years of tribulation. That has not happened. Also, the man of lawlessness must reign for at least 3 ½ years (2 Thessalonians 2:3-8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Nosy children might hear “I’ll explain it when you’re older” if they ask their parents questions that they aren’t ready to answer. The answer to nosy adults is likely a harsher, “None of your business.” Not all information is meant for every person to know.

Jesus made that clear about the date of His Second Coming. He said that no one knows but the Father (Matthew 24:36). But that hasn’t stopped people throughout history from trying to predict a date anyway. Ancient rabbi Judah ben Samuel did this when he predicted the Savior would return in 2017, which he calculated as a Jubilee year (starting from 1217 AD). But 2017 came and went, making the prediction as foolish as ones that came before and after it.

Christians shouldn’t waste time trying to predict a date that Jesus has already said we can’t know. Instead, we should focus on doing what the Lord has asked us to: Share the gospel (Matthew 28:19) and be good and faithful servants awaiting our Master (Matthew 25:14-30).

UNDERSTAND

The 2017 prediction of Jesus’ return was based on a calculated Jubilee year, but the Bible gives no support for linking specific dates to His coming.
Jesus clearly taught that only the Father knows the timing of His Second Coming.
Christians are called to focus on living faithfully, sharing the gospel, and staying spiritually ready rather than trying to predict when Christ will return.

REFLECT

How do you respond when you hear predictions about the timing of Christ’s return?
How are you focusing on living faithfully and sharing the gospel rather than knowing the dates of the end times?
How can you stay spiritually ready for Christ’s return?

ENGAGE

Why do you think people are drawn to predicting specific dates for Jesus’ return?
How can we encourage each other to focus on faithfulness and preparedness rather than speculation?
In what practical ways can we live out readiness for Christ’s return while avoiding obsession with timelines?