Luke 21:27 – “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a powerful and climactic moment in Jesus’ prophecy about the end times. After describing cosmic signs, fear, and turmoil in the world, Jesus declares that “the Son of Man” will appear in the clouds, displaying power and glory. The title “Son of Man” is one that Jesus often used for Himself, and it carries deep meaning, pointing to His role as both a human being and the divine Messiah.
The image of Jesus coming on a cloud is significant because it symbolizes divine authority, majesty, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. When He comes, it will be a public, undeniable event—everyone will see it. This is not a quiet or hidden return; it will be a moment when Jesus comes as King and Judge to establish His eternal kingdom. His first coming was marked by humility and suffering, but His second coming will be marked by power and triumph.
Historical Context
The phrase “Son of Man coming in a cloud” would have been familiar to Jesus’ Jewish audience because it echoes the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. In Daniel’s vision, the Son of Man is a figure who establishes God’s eternal kingdom, defeating evil and bringing salvation to His people. By using this imagery, Jesus is making it clear that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy.
In the historical context of Jesus’ time, many Jews were waiting for a Messiah who would deliver them from oppression, particularly from Roman rule. However, Jesus taught that His mission went beyond political freedom—it was about defeating sin and death. His return, described in this verse, points to the ultimate victory over evil and the final establishment of God’s kingdom.
The early church lived with a strong expectation of Jesus’ return. Believers faced persecution and hardship, but they found hope and strength in the promise that Jesus would come back to judge the world and bring eternal salvation to those who had put their faith in Him.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the certainty of Christ’s second coming. It’s not a question of if Jesus will return, but when. His return will bring the fulfillment of God’s plan for history, including judgment for those who have rejected Him and salvation for those who have trusted Him.
Theologically, this verse highlights Jesus’ authority and His role as both Savior and Judge. When He returns, He will come in power, bringing justice and making everything right. For believers, this is a moment of hope, as it marks the end of suffering, sin, and death. But for those who have rejected God, it will be a time of accountability and judgment.
This verse also points to the glory of Christ. The first time He came, He humbled Himself by being born in a manger and dying on a cross. But when He comes again, He will be revealed in His full majesty, displaying His power and divine glory for all to see. His return will be the ultimate demonstration of His victory over sin, death, and Satan.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse creates a sense of anticipation and awe. The phrase “at that time” connects this event to the signs described in the previous verses, signaling that Jesus’ return is the climax of these events. The imagery of coming “in a cloud” is significant because, in biblical literature, clouds often represent God’s presence and glory (Exodus 13:21, Matthew 17:5).
The use of the word “see” emphasizes the public nature of this event. Unlike His first coming, which was seen by only a few people in Bethlehem, Jesus’ second coming will be a global event witnessed by everyone. The words “power and great glory” highlight the majesty of the moment, contrasting it with the humility of His first coming.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 7:13-14 – “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.”
- Revelation 1:7 – “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.”
- Matthew 24:30 – “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
- Acts 1:9-11 – After Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels told the disciples that He would return in the same way they saw Him go.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – Describes the coming of the Lord with a loud command, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to live with an eternal perspective. Jesus’ return is not just a distant event—it is the hope that shapes how believers live their daily lives. Knowing that Jesus will return to establish His kingdom should motivate believers to remain faithful, even in the face of challenges and trials.
This verse also calls Christians to be ready. Jesus warned His followers to stay spiritually alert and prepared for His return because no one knows the exact time when it will happen (Matthew 24:42-44). Living in anticipation of His return means living in obedience to His teachings and actively sharing the gospel with others.
Additionally, this verse provides comfort and hope. In a world filled with suffering, injustice, and uncertainty, the promise of Jesus’ return reassures believers that God’s plan is unfolding and that one day, all wrongs will be made right. For those who are enduring hardship, this verse is a reminder that their present suffering is temporary and that eternal joy awaits them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His promise to send Jesus back to bring salvation and restore creation. Jesus’ return is not just about judgment—it’s about the fulfillment of God’s plan to rescue His people and establish a kingdom where there is no more pain, suffering, or death (Revelation 21:4).
God’s love is also evident in the fact that He is giving people time to repent and turn to Him before Jesus returns. In 2 Peter 3:9, we read that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance. His warnings about the end times are an act of mercy, giving people the opportunity to be saved.
Finally, God’s love is demonstrated in the glory that believers will share with Christ when He returns. In Colossians 3:4, Paul writes, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” God’s plan is not just to save people from judgment but to bring them into His eternal glory and fellowship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus—His return, His power, and His glory. It connects directly to His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and as the central figure in God’s plan for salvation. When Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” He is identifying with the figure in Daniel’s vision who is given authority over all nations and whose kingdom will never end.
Jesus’ return is also the culmination of His redemptive work. Through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death, and His second coming will be the final step in bringing His victory to completion. In 1 Corinthians 15:24-25, Paul explains that when Jesus returns, He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father after destroying all dominion, authority, and power.
Additionally, Jesus’ return will be the moment when believers are united with Him forever. In John 14:3, Jesus promises, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” His return is the fulfillment of that promise and the ultimate expression of His love for His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the promise of Jesus’ return give you hope and comfort in your daily life?
- In what ways can you live with an eternal perspective, knowing that Jesus will come back in power and glory?
- What does it mean to be spiritually prepared for Jesus’ return?
- How can you share the hope of Christ’s return with those who do not know Him?
- How does understanding Jesus as the “Son of Man” help you appreciate His role as both Savior and King?
This verse reminds Christians to stay faithful and hopeful, knowing that Jesus will return to bring justice, restoration, and eternal joy. His power and glory will be on full display, and for those who trust in Him, His return will be the fulfillment of all God’s promises.