What is the meaning of Mark 13:26? At that time • Jesus anchors this event to a specific, future moment. Earlier in the chapter He described unprecedented tribulation (Mark 13:19) and cosmic signs (Mark 13:24–25). “Immediately after the tribulation of those days” (Matthew 24:29) the timeline reaches “that time.” • Daniel foresaw a similar climactic season: “At that time shall arise Michael… and there shall be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning…” (Daniel 12:1). • The phrase underscores that God has set a calendar; nothing is random (Acts 17:31). they will see • The return of Christ is public and visible, not secret. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). • This fulfills Jesus’ own warning against false, hidden messiahs (Mark 13:21). • The witnesses include believers awaiting redemption (1 John 3:2) and unbelievers who will mourn (Zechariah 12:10). the Son of Man • Jesus borrows Daniel’s messianic title (Daniel 7:13–14), stressing both His deity and identification with humanity. • By using it here, He declares Himself the long-expected King who receives “dominion, glory, and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). • The title also reminds readers of His authority to judge (John 5:27). coming in the clouds • Clouds in Scripture often signal God’s manifest presence: pillar of cloud in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21) and the cloud filling Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10–11). • Jesus ascended in a cloud (Acts 1:9), and angels promised, “This same Jesus… will come in the same way” (Acts 1:11). • Believers will be “caught up… in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17), linking the rapture and the glorious appearing in one consistent motif. with great power and glory • The meek Servant who once rode a donkey (Zechariah 9:9) returns as the conquering King. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31). • His power subdues every rebellion (Revelation 19:11–16). • His glory compels universal confession: “Every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10–11). summary Mark 13:26 promises a literal, visible, climactic return of Jesus Christ. At God’s appointed moment, everyone will witness the Son of Man arrive in the majestic cloud-chariot of heaven, exercising unrivaled power and radiating divine glory. For believers this is blessed hope; for the rebellious it is unmistakable judgment. The verse assures us that history is moving toward the public vindication of Christ and the fulfillment of every prophetic word. |
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