Why Hasn't Jesus Returned Yet?
From the earliest days of the Church, believers have looked for the return of Jesus.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; - Titus 2:13
Yet nearly two thousand years have passed since His ascension, and skeptics often ask,
Where is the promise of His coming? (2 Peter 3:4)
Scripture itself anticipates this question and provides the answer:
The Lord's seeming delay is neither forgetfulness nor weakness. It is purposeful grace.
Two key reasons shine through the Bible's testimony.

His Coming Is Delayed for Us:
God's Heart of Saving Love
God's first reason is love. He waits because He wants more people to receive eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16
The Apostle Peter echoes this heart:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
God's patience is not a pause of indifference but a window of mercy. Every additional day is an opportunity for another heart to repent and believe (see Romans 2:4). Jesus Himself described His mission as seeking and saving the lost (see Luke 19:10), and that mission continues through His Church until the final harvest is complete (see John 4:35-38).

Other supporting verses include:
1 Timothy 2:3-4 - God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Ezekiel 33:11 - God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but calls all to turn and live.
From heaven's perspective, what feels long to us is mercy at work. Peter reminds us,
One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Peter 3:8)
God measures time by salvation, not by clocks.

One final thought:
Jesus said that His return would mirror in ways Noah's day:
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. - Luke 17:26
There was a 120-year gap (understood by many interpreters as a period of warning) between Noah's commission by God and the start of the rains that caused the Flood. (see Genesis 6:3). God waited until there was no more hope in mankind (see Genesis 6:5,11-12), and Jesus is waiting in the same way now.

His Coming Is Delayed because of Us:
The Mission of the Church
God also waits because He has entrusted His Church with a mission that is not yet complete. Jesus commanded:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. - Matthew 28:19-20
This Great Commission is not merely a call but a prerequisite. The Lord Himself said:
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. - Matthew 24:14
Paul adds a profound mystery in Romans 11:25 :
...blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
God is gathering a full harvest from every tribe and tongue (see Revelation 7:9). Only when the last Gentile believer is brought into the fold will the door close and the trumpet sound. In this sense, the Church's obedience to share the gospel actively hastens the day (see 2 Peter 3:12).

Other key passages reinforce this:
Acts 1:8 - We receive the Spirit's power to be Christ's witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Mark 13:10 - The gospel must first be published among all nations.
Every testimony, every Bible translation, every prayer for unreached peoples contributes to God's perfect timetable.

Other Reflections on the Lord's Perfect Timing
God's Covenant Faithfulness: Prophecies about Israel, the nations, and the Church are unfolding according to His plan (see Isaiah 46:9-10). Nothing is random.

Christ's Patient Preparation: Jesus is preparing a place for His people (see John 14:2-3) and purifying His Bride (see Ephesians 5:27).

Call to Readiness: Because the timing is hidden, believers must live in constant expectancy (see Matthew 24:42-44), pursuing holiness and faithful service (see 1 John 3:2-3).

Conclusion: A Loving Delay with Eternal Purpose
The Lord's delay is not neglect but love. He waits for us, longing for every soul that will believe. He waits because of us, giving His people time to carry the gospel to every corner of the world. Far from weakening our hope, this understanding strengthens it. Every sunrise is another opportunity to share Christ and another day closer to His return.

When Jesus promises, Surely I come quickly (Revelation 22:20) , the Greek word used (tachu) does not primarily mean 'soon' in terms of calendar time, but 'suddenly' or 'without delay' once the appointed hour arrives. His coming will be swift and unstoppable, like lightning flashing across the sky (see Luke 17:24). Therefore we are called to watch and remain ready, for the moment of fulfillment will break in without warning.
And the Church still responds with eager faith (also in Revelation 22:20 ): Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.