Jesus prophesies His Second Coming: 'And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.' This echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where one 'like the Son of man' receives eternal dominion. The 'clouds' symbolize divine presence (Exodus 13:21, Acts 1:9). 'Great power' (Greek dynamis megalē) contrasts His first coming's humility with Second Coming's triumph. 'Glory' (doxa) refers to visible manifestation of divine majesty. This coming will be unmistakable—universal visibility (13:24-25, Revelation 1:7), cosmic upheaval, and gathering of elect (13:27). Reformed eschatology affirms Christ's bodily return to judge living and dead, establish new heaven and earth, and vindicate His people. This hope motivates endurance during persecution (13:9-13) and watchfulness (13:33-37). The same Jesus who suffered returns glorified.
Historical Context
Context is the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives as Jesus predicted Jerusalem's destruction (13:1-2, fulfilled AD 70). Disciples asked when this would occur (13:4), and Jesus warned of false Christs, wars, persecution, and tribulation (13:5-23) before His return. The discourse blends near fulfillment (Jerusalem's fall) with far fulfillment (Second Coming), common in prophetic literature. First-century Jewish apocalyptic expectation anticipated divine intervention overthrowing Rome and vindicating Israel. Jesus corrects this: the kingdom comes through suffering before glory, cross before crown. The early church's imminent expectation ('this generation shall not pass,' 13:30) referred to the type of people or fulfilled proleptically in Jerusalem's destruction, while the final consummation awaits Christ's return.
Questions for Reflection
Does the certainty of Christ's glorious return shape your present priorities and endurance under trial?
How does contrasting Christ's humiliation and exaltation motivate your own cross-bearing?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus prophesies His Second Coming: 'And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.' This echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where one 'like the Son of man' receives eternal dominion. The 'clouds' symbolize divine presence (Exodus 13:21, Acts 1:9). 'Great power' (Greek dynamis megalē) contrasts His first coming's humility with Second Coming's triumph. 'Glory' (doxa) refers to visible manifestation of divine majesty. This coming will be unmistakable—universal visibility (13:24-25, Revelation 1:7), cosmic upheaval, and gathering of elect (13:27). Reformed eschatology affirms Christ's bodily return to judge living and dead, establish new heaven and earth, and vindicate His people. This hope motivates endurance during persecution (13:9-13) and watchfulness (13:33-37). The same Jesus who suffered returns glorified.