Matthew 24:27-28
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. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The comparison to lightning isn't just about speed; it highlights that Christ's coming will be universally visible, instantly seen from one end of the horizon to the other, leaving no room for doubt or misdirection by false prophets. This instantaneous, widespread manifestation contrasts sharply with claims of secret sightings in deserts or hidden rooms.
Jesus has just warned his disciples about false Christs and prophets who will try to deceive people. He now describes his own coming as the Son of Man, contrasting it with these deceivers by highlighting its undeniable and universal visibility, like lightning flashing across the entire sky. This imagery emphasizes the sudden, unmistakable, and far-reaching nature of his arrival, whether it refers to judgment on Jerusalem or his ultimate return.
Imagine a flash of light so bright and so vast that it instantly connects every corner of the sky. This isn't just a storm; it's a preview of something monumental.
Jesus uses the analogy of lightning to describe His coming.
Instantaneous and Universal
Just as lightning appears without warning and is visible across the entire horizon, the coming of the Son of Man will be immediate and unmistakable. It won't be confined to one location or require a special announcement. It will be a global, undeniable event.
A Divine Display
Unlike earthly events that unfold gradually or are seen by only a few, this divine appearance will be a clear, visible manifestation of God's glory. Everyone, everywhere, will witness it.
Lightning doesn't just light up the sky; it signifies immense power and often precedes dramatic change. What does this mean for the 'coming' Jesus describes?
The comparison to lightning isn't just about visibility; it's also about the nature and impact of this arrival.
Swift and Decisive Action
Lightning is incredibly fast and carries immense power. Jesus' coming will be marked by a similar swiftness and decisive action. It's not a slow progression but an immediate intervention.
A Clear Distinction
This arrival will starkly contrast with any false hopes or deceptions. Just as a lightning flash is distinct from a small, flickering flame, the true coming of the Son of Man will be undeniably different from any counterfeit. It brings a clear separation and judgment.
Understand the original words
parousia · Greek Noun
The personal, visible, and bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to consummate his kingdom and judge the world.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title used by Jesus for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, highlighting His humanity, His messianic authority, and His role as the sovereign Judge.
This verse's vivid imagery of lightning spreading across the sky powerfully describes the unmistakable and widespread nature of Christ's coming judgment on Jerusalem, mirroring the swift and devastating advance of the Roman legions.
c. 63 BC
Roman Influence in Judea Begins
Rome's power begins to encroach on Judea, setting the stage for future Roman military actions in the region.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Predicts Jerusalem's Destruction
Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which the disciples link to his 'coming'.
AD 66
Jewish Revolt Against Rome Begins
The First Jewish-Roman War erupts, fulfilling Jesus' warnings of widespread tribulation and upheaval in Judea.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman armies under Titus lay siege to and utterly destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of desolation.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 24:27, using the same lightning analogy to describe the sudden, visible, and universal nature of the Son of Man's coming.
Revelation 1:7This verse echoes the unmistakable visibility of Christ's coming, stating that 'every eye will see him,' which aligns with the lightning-like, all-encompassing nature described in Matthew 24:27.
Daniel 7:13-14This Old Testament passage prophesies the Son of Man receiving dominion and glory, a universal kingdom, which illuminates the scope and grandeur of his coming as described by the lightning analogy.
Acts 1:11This passage describes Jesus ascending into heaven and then states he will return 'in the same way you saw him go into heaven,' emphasizing a visible and significant return that resonates with the suddenness of the lightning.
vincentMatthew 24:27: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
Shineth (φαίνεται)Rev., better, is seen. The coming of the Lord will be a plain, unmistakable fact, like the lightning which lightens both ends of the heaven at once, and is seen of all. It will not be connected with some particular place, but will manifest itself and be recognized over the whole world. Compare Revelation 1:7 : "Every eye shall see him."
bensonMatthew 24:27: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
Matthew 24:27-28 . For as the lightning cometh out of the east, &c. — The coming of the Son of man shall be in a very different manner, and for very different ends from what you are imagining. It shall be like lightning, swift, unexpected, and destructive. His appearance will be as distinguishable from that of every false Christ, as lightning, which shines…
The comparison to lightning isn't just about speed; it highlights that Christ's coming will be universally visible, instantly seen from one end of the horizon to the other, leaving no room for doubt or misdirection by false prophets. This instantaneous, widespread manifestation contrasts sharply with claims of secret sightings in deserts or hidden rooms.
Jesus has just warned his disciples about false Christs and prophets who will try to deceive people. He now describes his own coming as the Son of Man, contrasting it with these deceivers by highlighting its undeniable and universal visibility, like lightning flashing across the entire sky. This imagery emphasizes the sudden, unmistakable, and far-reaching nature of his arrival, whether it refers to judgment on Jerusalem or his ultimate return.
Jesus has just warned his disciples about false Christs and prophets who will try to deceive people. He now describes his own coming as the Son of Man, contrasting it with these deceivers by highlighting its undeniable and universal visibility, like lightning flashing across the entire sky. This imagery emphasizes the sudden, unmistakable, and far-reaching nature of his arrival, whether it refers to judgment on Jerusalem or his ultimate return.
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"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. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather." — The comparison to lightning isn't just about speed; it highlights that Christ's coming will be universally visible, instantly seen from one end of the horizon to the other, leaving no room for doubt…
