What is the meaning of Luke 21:27? At that time • Jesus anchors this moment to the climactic end-time events He has just described (Luke 21:25-26: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars… men will faint from fear and anticipation of what is coming upon the earth”). • Matthew 24:29 echoes the same sequence: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened…”—a direct setup for His return. • 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 reminds believers that “the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night,” yet here the timing is unmistakably within the period of cosmic upheaval Jesus outlines. they will see • Visibility is universal: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). • No secret arrival—Jesus stresses open, undeniable manifestation, silencing skepticism (2 Peter 3:3-4). • Zechariah 12:10 foretells Israel’s specific recognition: “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced.” the Son of Man • Title drawn from Daniel 7:13-14, where the everlasting dominion is given to “One like a son of man.” • Jesus applied it to Himself before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:61-62), sealing His Messianic identity and authority. • The phrase reassures disciples that the same Savior who suffered will return as sovereign Judge and King (Luke 9:22, 19:10). coming in a cloud • Clouds signal God’s personal presence: pillar of cloud in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), the cloud of glory on Sinai (Exodus 24:15-16). • At the Ascension, “a cloud hid Him from their sight” with the angelic promise, “This same Jesus… will come in the same way” (Acts 1:9-11). • The transfiguration previewed this glory when “a cloud appeared and enveloped them” (Luke 9:34-35). with power and great glory • Power: He arrives as conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16), subduing rebellion (2 Thessalonians 2:8). • Great glory: the unveiled majesty of God, fulfilling John 17:24 where Jesus prayed that His followers would behold His glory. • 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 depicts both relief for the redeemed and fiery judgment for the wicked, underscoring the double edge of His glorious appearing. • Philippians 2:9-11 anticipates every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” summary Luke 21:27 asserts a literal, visible, victorious return of Jesus Christ. After the prophesied end-time turmoil, all humanity will witness the Messiah—“the Son of Man”—descending in the divine cloud, displaying unmatched power and splendor. For believers, this is the culmination of hope; for unbelievers, the incontestable revelation of His lordship. |
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