What does "Son of Man coming in a cloud" signify about Jesus' return? Setting the Stage - Luke 21 records Jesus’ prophetic teaching about the end of the age. - Right in the middle of that discourse He promises: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27) The Prophetic Phrase in Focus - “Son of Man” is Jesus’ favorite self-designation, tying Him both to humanity and to Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man receives an everlasting kingdom. - “Coming in a cloud” is not poetic hyperbole—it is a literal, visible, global event still future. Clouds in Scripture: Symbolic and Literal - Manifestation of God’s presence: • Exodus 13:21—pillar of cloud guiding Israel. • Exodus 19:9—cloud over Sinai as the Lord descends. • 1 Kings 8:10-11—cloud filling Solomon’s temple. - Revelation 14:14 pictures the glorified Christ “seated on the cloud.” - Consistent pattern: clouds accompany God’s self-revelation and majesty. Guaranteed Visibility - Acts 1:9-11—Jesus ascended into a cloud and will return “in the same way.” - Revelation 1:7—“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” - The cloud underscores a public, unmistakable appearing, not a hidden or spiritualized return. Universal Authority Made Plain - Psalm 97:2—clouds surround the throne of God, displaying sovereign rule. - Isaiah 19:1—“The LORD rides on a swift cloud,” a picture of judgment and dominion. - Matthew 26:64—Jesus tells the Sanhedrin they will see “the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven,” affirming His divine kingship. Connection to Daniel’s Vision - Daniel 7:13-14: “I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven… His dominion is an everlasting dominion.” - Luke 21:27 echoes Daniel, linking Jesus’ return to the final establishment of His worldwide, unending kingdom. Encouragement for Believers - Luke 21:28—“When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” - The cloud-coming promises full redemption, resurrection, and the visible vindication of faith. Warning for the Unrepentant - Luke 21:26 describes men fainting from fear before the cloud appears. - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 speaks of the Lord Jesus revealed from heaven, bringing judgment on those who reject the gospel. Living in Expectation - Titus 2:13 calls believers to “await the blessed hope and glorious appearing” of Jesus. - 1 John 3:2-3 reminds that this hope purifies, motivating holy living while we eagerly anticipate the literal, majestic moment when the Son of Man comes in a cloud. |
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