Luke 17:24
For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about Jesus coming back suddenly; it's about how unmistakable and far-reaching that appearance will be. Like lightning illuminating the entire sky in an instant, His "day" will be a globally visible, undeniable revelation of His glory, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.
Jesus is describing the suddenness and unmistakable nature of his return, using the natural phenomenon of lightning as a vivid illustration. This follows His warnings about living faithfully and not being caught unprepared, like those in Noah's day or Lot's wife. The point is that His coming will be universally visible and incredibly swift, leaving no room for doubt or missed opportunity.
Imagine a storm where lightning doesn't just flash, but instantly illuminates the entire sky from horizon to horizon. That's the picture Jesus paints for His return.
Jesus uses the striking image of lightning to describe His coming.
Jesus speaks of 'his day.' What specific day is He referring to, and what does it signify?
The phrase 'in his day' is packed with meaning. It refers to a specific, appointed time when the Son of Man will manifest His glory and authority.
This passage directly echoes Luke's imagery, stating 'For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.' It emphasizes the sudden, unmistakable, and universal nature of Christ's return.
Daniel 7:13This Old Testament prophecy describes a vision of 'one like a son of man' coming with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion and glory. It parallels Luke's verse by pointing to a future, glorious manifestation of the Son of Man.
Revelation 1:7This verse speaks of Christ appearing 'with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.' The universal visibility and undeniable nature described here strongly align with the 'lightning' analogy in Luke.
1 Thessalonians 4:16Paul describes the Lord's return with a 'loud command, with the archangel’s call and with the trumpet call of God.' This emphasizes the powerful and audible announcement that will accompany Christ's appearance, similar to the instantaneous flash of lightning.
vincentLuke 17:24: "For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day."
Lighteneth (ἀστράπτουσα)Only here and Luke 24:4.
gillLuke 17:24: "For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day."
For as the lightning that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven,.... The Syriac version reads, "out of heaven", and the Arabic version, "in heaven"; which is the seat of lightning, and from whence it arises: and shineth unto the other part under heaven; enlightens the earth, which is under the heaven: though the sense o…
This isn't just about Jesus coming back suddenly; it's about how unmistakable and far-reaching that appearance will be. Like lightning illuminating the entire sky in an instant, His "day" will be a globally visible, undeniable revelation of His glory, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.
Jesus is describing the suddenness and unmistakable nature of his return, using the natural phenomenon of lightning as a vivid illustration. This follows His warnings about living faithfully and not being caught unprepared, like those in Noah's day or Lot's wife. The point is that His coming will be universally visible and incredibly swift, leaving no room for doubt or missed opportunity.
Jesus is describing the suddenness and unmistakable nature of his return, using the natural phenomenon of lightning as a vivid illustration. This follows His warnings about living faithfully and not being caught unprepared, like those in Noah's day or Lot's wife. The point is that His coming will be universally visible and incredibly swift, leaving no room for doubt or missed opportunity.
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"For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day." — This isn't just about Jesus coming back suddenly; it's about how unmistakable and far-reaching that appearance will be. Like lightning illuminating the entire sky in an instant, His "day" will be a g…
