The Return of the Son of Man in Glory: A Reflection on Matthew
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.” – Matthew 25:31
The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31 serve as a powerful reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity. This verse paints a majestic picture of Christ’s second coming—His return in glory, surrounded by angels, to take His rightful place as King and Judge. But what does this moment mean for believers and for the world?
1. The Promise of His Return
Throughout Scripture, Jesus repeatedly spoke of His return, emphasizing that it would be a moment of divine authority, justice, and fulfillment. Unlike His first coming, where He arrived as a humble servant, His second coming will be one of undeniable power and majesty. The phrase “in His glory” signifies the full revelation of Christ’s divine nature, no longer veiled by human limitations.
The presence of angels further underscores the significance of this event. In biblical tradition, angels are often messengers and warriors of God, playing a role in key moments of divine intervention. Their presence signals that this is not just another chapter in history but the climax of God’s redemptive story.
2. The Glorious Throne: A Symbol of Judgment and Justice
The throne of Christ represents His absolute authority over all creation. When He takes His seat, it will not be as a temporary ruler but as the eternal King. This throne is also a seat of judgment, where every person will stand before Him to account for their lives.
Matthew 25 continues with the famous parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous. This illustrates the final judgment, where acts of faith and love will be rewarded, and rejection of God’s truth will lead to separation from Him. The throne is a reminder that God’s justice is perfect—merciful to those who believe and follow Him, yet firm against those who reject His grace.
3. A Call to Prepare for His Coming
The certainty of Christ’s return calls for readiness. Jesus repeatedly urged His followers to stay vigilant, to be faithful in their walk with Him, and to live out their faith in love and service. His return is not meant to inspire fear but to encourage us to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal significance.
The reality of the second coming also brings hope. In a world filled with suffering, injustice, and uncertainty, the promise of Christ’s return assures believers that God’s kingdom will prevail. The pain of today will be overshadowed by the glory of His reign.
4. How Should We Respond?
- Live with expectation – Jesus will return, and we should live each day as though we could meet Him at any moment.
- Walk in righteousness – Aligning our lives with God’s will ensures that we are ready for His return.
- Share the gospel – The time to spread His message of love and redemption is now.
- Trust in His justice – While the world may seem unfair, God’s final judgment will bring perfect justice.