Matthew 25:31
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.
When the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a messianic figure endowed with authority, glory, and sovereign power. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses this title to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority. The phrase underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man. It is a reminder of the humility of Christ's incarnation and the majesty of His second coming.

comes in His glory
The Greek word for "glory" is "doxa," which conveys a sense of splendor, honor, and divine radiance. This phrase points to the eschatological event of Christ's return, not in the humility of His first coming, but in the full manifestation of His divine majesty. The glory of Christ is a central theme in Christian eschatology, symbolizing the ultimate revelation of His divine nature and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It inspires believers to live in anticipation of this glorious return, maintaining faith and hope.

and all the angels with Him
The presence of "all the angels" signifies the magnitude and importance of this event. Angels, as messengers and servants of God, are often depicted in Scripture as attending significant divine actions, such as the annunciation to Mary or the resurrection of Christ. Their accompaniment of Christ at His return highlights the cosmic significance of the event and the establishment of divine order. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realm's involvement in God's plan and the ultimate victory over evil.

He will sit on His glorious throne
The imagery of Christ sitting on a "glorious throne" evokes the image of a king assuming His rightful place of authority and judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a throne symbolizes power, sovereignty, and the right to judge. This phrase assures believers of Christ's ultimate authority and the establishment of His kingdom. It is a call to recognize His lordship and to live in accordance with His teachings, knowing that He will judge the nations with righteousness and justice. The throne is not just a seat of power but a symbol of the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of eternal life for those who follow Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Son of Man
A title Jesus frequently used for Himself, emphasizing His role as the Messiah and His authority in judgment. The term has roots in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a divine figure given authority and dominion.

2. His Glory
Refers to the divine majesty and splendor of Jesus Christ, highlighting His divine nature and the fulfillment of His role as King and Judge.

3. All the Angels
The heavenly beings who serve God and accompany Jesus at His second coming, signifying the importance and magnitude of the event.

4. Glorious Throne
Symbolizes Jesus' authority and kingship, where He will execute judgment. The throne is a place of power and decision-making.

5. Second Coming
The future event when Jesus will return to earth to judge the living and the dead, as prophesied in various parts of the New Testament.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Christ's Return
Believers should live with the expectation and hope of Jesus' return, which is a central tenet of Christian faith.

The Authority of Jesus
Recognize Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives, who will judge the world with righteousness and justice.

Preparedness for Judgment
Christians are called to live lives that reflect their faith, knowing that they will be accountable to Christ at His return.

The Role of Angels
Understand the significance of angels in God's plan, serving as messengers and participants in the fulfillment of His divine purposes.

Living in Light of Eternity
Encourage believers to focus on eternal values and priorities, aligning their lives with God's kingdom purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the title "Son of Man" enhance our understanding of Jesus' identity and mission?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the return of Christ, as described in Matthew 25:31?

3. How does the imagery of Jesus sitting on a "glorious throne" influence our view of His authority and kingship?

4. What role do angels play in the events of the second coming, and how does this impact our understanding of the spiritual realm?

5. How can we apply the teachings of Matthew 25:31 to live with an eternal perspective in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7:13-14
This passage describes the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, receiving dominion and glory, which parallels Jesus' description of His return in Matthew 25:31.

Revelation 20:11-15
Describes the great white throne judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds, connecting to the theme of judgment in Matthew 25:31.

Acts 1:11
The angels' message at Jesus' ascension that He will return in the same way, affirming the promise of His second coming.
Christ Come in His GloryT. Manton.Matthew 25:31
Christ the ShepherdT. Manton.Matthew 25:31
Christ's AppearanceT. Manton.Matthew 25:31
The Final SeparationG. Brooks.Matthew 25:31
The Final SeparationExpository OutlinesMatthew 25:31
The Godly are as SheepT. Manton.Matthew 25:31
The Great Day of the LordD. Gerok, D. D.Matthew 25:31
The Great SeparationG. Coad.Matthew 25:31
The Great SeparationDr. Bonar.Matthew 25:31
The JudgmentJ. C. Gray.Matthew 25:31
The King on His Judgment ThroneAlexander MaclarenMatthew 25:31
The Last JudgmentJ. Dixon.Matthew 25:31
The Peculiar Character of the General JudgmentR. Jones, B. A.Matthew 25:31
The Son of Man Exercising JudgmentR. Tuck Matthew 25:31
The Wicked are as GoatsT. Manton.Matthew 25:31
The Great AssizeJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 25:31-46
The JudgmentMarcus Dods Matthew 25:31-46
The Judgment of the NationsW.F. Adeney Matthew 25:31-46
People
Jesus
Places
Mount of Olives
Topics
Angels, Glorious, Glory, Heavenly, Holy, Messengers, Seated, Sit, Throne, Whenever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 25:31

     1193   glory, revelation of
     1412   foreknowledge
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2051   Christ, majesty of
     2345   Christ, kingdom of
     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     4113   angels, agents of judgment
     5181   sitting
     5581   throne
     9411   heaven
     9412   heaven, worship and service

Matthew 25:1-46

     2309   Christ, as judge

Matthew 25:14-46

     8344   servanthood, in believers

Matthew 25:30-32

     6139   deadness, spiritual

Matthew 25:31-32

     2069   Christ, pre-eminence
     2312   Christ, as king
     2565   Christ, second coming
     5493   retribution
     8402   claims
     9105   last things
     9130   future, the
     9155   millennium
     9210   judgment, God's
     9230   judgment seat
     9314   resurrection, of the dead

Matthew 25:31-33

     2018   Christ, divinity
     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     6125   condemnation, divine

Matthew 25:31-36

     5500   reward, God's people

Matthew 25:31-40

     5878   honour
     7150   righteous, the

Matthew 25:31-41

     9240   last judgment

Matthew 25:31-46

     1075   God, justice of
     5006   human race, destiny
     5030   knowledge, of Christ
     5381   law, letter and spirit
     5472   proof, evidence
     6026   sin, judgment on

Library
The Surprise of the Righteous
Preached at Southsea for the Mission of the Good Shepherd. October 1871. St Matt. xxv. 34-37. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

November 16. "Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day" (Matt. xxv. 13).
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day" (Matt. xxv. 13). Jesus illustrates the unexpectedness of His coming by the figure of a thief entering a house when the master was not there. Life, like the old Jewish night, may be divided into three watches, youth, maturity, old age. The summons to meet God may come to us in either of these watches. A writer tells us of his experience with a camping party, of which he was a member, and which, he tells us, always arranged to have watches at night. "We
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'They that were Ready'
'They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.' --MATT. xxv. 10. It is interesting to notice the variety of aspects in which, in this long discourse, Jesus sets forth His Second Coming. It is like the flood that swept away a world. It is like a thief stealing through the dark, and breaking up a house. It is like a master reckoning with his servants. These three metaphors suggest solemn, one might almost say alarming, images. But then this parable comes in and tells how that coming is like
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dying Lamps
'Our lamps are gone out.'--MATT. xxv. 8. This is one of the many cases in which the Revised Version, by accuracy of rendering the tense of a verb, gives a much more striking as well as correct reproduction of the original than the Authorised Version does. The former reads 'going out,' instead of 'gone out,' a rendering which the Old Version has, unfortunately, relegated to the margin. It is clearly to be preferred, not only because it more correctly represents the Greek, but because it sets before
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Waiting Maidens
'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7. Then all those virgins arose,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Traders for the Master
'For the kingdom of heaven la as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18. But he that had received one
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King on his Judgment Throne
'When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: 32. And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom of Heaven be Likened unto Ten virgins. "
1. Ye who were present yesterday remember my promise; which with the Lord's assistance is to be made good to-day, not to you only, but to the many others also who have come together. It is no easy question, who the ten virgins are, of whom five are wise, and five foolish. Nevertheless, according to the context of this passage which I have wished should be read again to you to-day, Beloved, I do not think, as far as the Lord vouchsafes to give me understanding, that this parable or similitude relates
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 24, Etc. , Where the Slothful Servant who Would not Put Out the Talent He had Received, is Condemned.
1. My lords, my brethren, and fellow bishops have deigned to visit us and gladden us by their presence; but I know not why they are unwilling to assist me, when wearied. I have said this to you, Beloved, in their hearing, that your hearing may in a manner intercede for me with them, that when I ask them they also may discourse unto you in their turn. Let them dispense what they have received, let them vouchsafe to work rather than excuse themselves. Be pleased, however, to hear from me, fatigued
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Two Talents
Now, there are some men in the world who have but few talents. Our parable says, "One had five, and another two. To them I shall address myself this morning; and I pray that the few pointed things I may say, may be blessed of God to their edification or rebuke. First, I shall notice the fact that there are many persons who have but few talents, and I will try to account for God's dispensing but few to them. Secondly, I shall remind them that even for these few talents they must be brought to account.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Tenth Chapter
An excellent sermon which this Doctor delivered in a convent after his illumination, concerning Christ the true Bridegroom of the soul, in the which he showed how she is to follow Him in true, shamefaced, humble, and patient resignation, and how Christ tries her beforehand in divers ways, and at last accepts her lovingly. Taken from these words--"Ecce sponsus venit, exite obviam ei" (Matt. xxv. 6). DEAR children, it may be now two years or more since I last preached. I spoke to you then of four-and-twenty
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, and Martyr, 1555. (1)
LUKE XXI.(2) As we die so we shall rise again. If we die in the state of damnation, we shall rise in that same state. Again, if we die in the state of salvation, we shall rise again in that state, and come to everlasting felicity, both of soul and body. For if we die now in the state of salvation, then at the last general day of judgment we shall hear this joyful sentence, proceeding out of the mouth of our Saviour Christ, when he will say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess that kingdom which
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and Talents. The Final Judgment.
(Mount of Olives. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXV. 1-46. ^a 1 Then [i. e., at the time of the Lord's coming. Jesus is still emphasizing the lesson of watchfulness, and proceeds to enforce it by two parables] shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten [probably the usual number on such occasions] virgins, who took their lamps [small earthenware vessels, with flax wicks, and without glass chimneys], and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [The Oriental wedding began with a feast in the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week-On the Mount of Olives-Last Parables: to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things-The Parable of the Ten virgins-The Parable Of
1. As might have been expected, the Parables concerning the Last Things are closely connected with the Discourse of the Last Things, which Christ had just spoken to His Disciples. In fact, that of the Ten Virgins, which seems the fullest in many-sided meaning, is, in its main object, only an illustration of the last part of Christ's Discourse. [5521] Its great practical lessons had been: the unexpectedness of the Lord's Coming; the consequences to be apprehend from its delay; and the need of personal
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Parable of the Talents (Matt. , xxv. , 14-30) Compared with that of the Pounds (Luke, xix. , 12).
The parable of the talents (Matt., xxv.) is evidently allied to that of the pounds [690] (Luke, xix., 12); but there are points of difference too striking to be ascribed to alterations in transmission. In the latter, each of the servants receives the same sum, one pound, and their position in the kingdom is assigned according to their gains. In the former, different sums are intrusted to the servants in proportion to their ability, and those who bring gains in the same proportion are rewarded accordingly.
Augustus Neander—The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion

The Ten virgins.
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Entrusted Talents.
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven.
By reason of this communion with God, the elect in heaven shall have four superexcellent prerogatives:-- 1. They shall have the kingdom of heaven for their inheritance (Matt. xxv.; 1 Pet. i. 4), and they shall be free denizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Eph. ii. 19; Heb. xii. 22.) St. Paul, by being a free citizen of Rome (Acts xxi. 26), escaped whipping; but they who are once free citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, shall ever be freed from the whips of eternal torments. For this freedom was bought
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Works by J. G. Bellett.
The Patriarchs. Being meditations upon Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Job; with The Canticles, and Heaven and Earth. 435 pp. Cloth, post-paid,
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

"Thence He Shall Come to Judge the Quick and Dead. ...
12. "Thence He shall come to judge the quick and dead." The quick, who shall be alive and remain; the dead, who shall have gone before. It may also be understood thus: The living, the just; the dead, the unjust. For He judges both, rendering unto each his own. To the just He will say in the judgment, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." [1793] For this prepare yourselves, for these things hope, for this live, and so live, for this
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter Liii to Another Holy virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes
To Another Holy Virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes [84] He dissuades her from the rash and imprudent design which she had in her mind of retiring into some solitude. 1. I am told that you are wishing to leave your convent, impelled by a longing for a more ascetic life, and that after spending all their efforts to dissuade and prevent you, seeing that you paid no heed to them, your spiritual mother or your sisters, determined at length to seek my advice on the matter, so that whatever course
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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