THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD

Luke 21:20-28 / Keywords 21:27

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

 

21:20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

1. Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem came true in 70 A.D. by Titus, a Roman general. It was the time of distress and wrath against the people of Israel. Many people were killed by the sword and taken as prisoners. It was God’s punishment on his people who rejected Jesus, the Messiah, who came to save them. Jerusalem would be trampled on until the times of the Gentiles have been fulfilled (20:16; Ro 11:25).

 

2. The destruction of Jerusalem is a foreshadow of the final judgment when Jesus comes again to judge the world and restore all things. Before his coming, there will be ominous signs in the earth and sky which will bring anguish and perplexity. The Lord Jesus will come in power and great glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords. It will be a day of terror for those who rejected him, but it will be a glorious day of rejoicing and victory for those who belong to him. Jesus’ people don’t need to be fearful of the signs of the end of the age but must stand firm and lift up their heads to welcome their coming Redeemer and King. When he comes again, a new heaven and earth will come, and we will live in his presence and reign with him forever. This is our living hope in Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for the glorious promise of the second coming of Jesus. Help me to live by faith while waiting for this second coming.

One Word Jesus is coming again with power and great glory!