Matthew 25:31
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it seems like a simple statement of Jesus returning to judge, the most striking detail is that he doesn't sit on a throne, but his glorious throne. This isn't just any king's seat; it's a declaration that his rightful, divine authority is about to be fully displayed, distinguishing it from any earthly power or even his current reign at the Father's right hand.
Jesus is concluding His discourse about the end times, which began with His disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age. He has just finished parables about wise and foolish virgins and about faithful and unfaithful servants, all pointing toward the importance of readiness for His return. This passage shifts from parable to a direct description of the final judgment, where Christ will return in glory to separate all nations.
Imagine the most spectacular entrance you've ever witnessed, then multiply it by infinity. This verse describes Jesus' return not as a humble servant, but as the ultimate King.
Jesus' coming in His glory signifies a dramatic shift from His earthly life to His eternal reign.
Not Just a Coronation
While Jesus reigns now at the Father's right hand, this verse points to a future, visible manifestation of His kingly authority. It’s a public display of His divine majesty, far beyond what was seen during His earthly ministry.
A Scene of Supreme Authority
He will come with all the angels, not as assistants, but as His royal entourage. And He will sit on His glorious throne. This isn't just any seat; it’s a throne radiating His divine splendor, signifying His ultimate authority and role as Judge of all.
The disciples asked about the end of the age. Jesus' answer includes an event that will involve everyone. This isn't a private gathering; it's a global convocation.
Jesus' glorious return is the prelude to a judgment that encompasses all humanity. The "all nations" signifies the scope of His authority and the comprehensive nature of His assessment.
Beyond Jerusalem's Fall
Scholars point out that this event is distinct from the destruction of Jerusalem. The gathering of "all nations" and the eternal separation of righteous and wicked confirm this is a final, universal judgment.
A Shepherd's Separation
Jesus will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. This imagery highlights the clear distinction that will be made between those who belong to Him and those who do not, based on their response to Him and His people.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the Messiah as the heavenly figure who holds authority, judges the world, and establishes God's kingdom. It emphasizes both his humanity and his divine authority.
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and divine radiance. In the context of the Messiah, it refers to his rightful status as the exalted King and Judge of all creation.
angelos · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings created by God who serve as His messengers, ministers, and agents in carrying out His purposes, including accompanying the Messiah at His second coming.
thronos · Greek Noun
While Jesus' words in Matthew 25:31-46 describe a future, final judgment of all nations, they were spoken during a period of intense turmoil and expectation in Judea, with the destruction of Jerusalem looming. This context would have amplified the urgency and significance of His pronouncements about divine justice and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus teaches extensively, including parables and prophecies about the Kingdom of God and future judgment, often in Jerusalem.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, initiating the Christian faith and the concept of His future return.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Church Growth and Spread
The Christian church expands rapidly across the Roman Empire, facing persecution and developing its theology.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
A major fire devastates Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and intensely persecute Christians.
This passage in Daniel is a foundational vision for Matthew 25:31, describing the 'Son of Man' coming with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion and glory, directly paralleling Jesus' own description of His glorious return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16This verse speaks of the Lord Himself descending from heaven with a loud command, the voice of an archangel, and the sound of the trumpet of God, mirroring the grand, angelic arrival of the Son of Man in Matthew 25:31.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage vividly describes Christ returning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, riding a white horse, with eyes like a flame of fire and a name written on His thigh, painting a picture of the glorious, kingly figure described in Matthew 25:31.
John 5:28-29Jesus here speaks of an hour coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come out, linking His future glorious arrival and judgment to His authoritative power over life and death.
barnesMatthew 25:31: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
When the Son of man ... - This is in answer to the question which the disciples proposed to Jesus respecting the end of the world, Matthew 24:3 . That this refers to the last judgment, and not, as some have supposed, to the destruction of Jerusalem, appears: 1. From the fact that it was in answer to an express inquiry respecting "the end" of the world.…
calvinMatthew 25:31-46: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
- Now when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32. And all the nations shall be assembled before him; and he shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats. 33. And he shall place the sheep on his right hand, and the goats…
While it seems like a simple statement of Jesus returning to judge, the most striking detail is that he doesn't sit on a throne, but his glorious throne. This isn't just any king's seat; it's a declaration that his rightful, divine authority is about to be fully displayed, distinguishing it from any earthly power or even his current reign at the Father's right hand.
Jesus is concluding His discourse about the end times, which began with His disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age. He has just finished parables about wise and foolish virgins and about faithful and unfaithful servants, all pointing toward the importance of readiness for His return. This passage shifts from parable to a direct description of the final judgment, where Christ will return in glory to separate all nations.
Jesus is concluding His discourse about the end times, which began with His disciples' questions about the destruction of the temple and the end of the age. He has just finished parables about wise and foolish virgins and about faithful and unfaithful servants, all pointing toward the importance of readiness for His return. This passage shifts from parable to a direct description of the final judgment, where Christ will return in glory to separate all nations.
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A position of supreme authority, sovereignty, and judicial power. To sit on a throne represents the exercise of kingly rule and the dispensing of final justice.
c. 66-70 AD
First Jewish-Roman War
The First Jewish-Roman War begins, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by Roman forces.
"“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne." — While it seems like a simple statement of Jesus returning to judge, the most striking detail is that he doesn't sit on a throne, but his glorious throne. This isn't just any king's seat; it's a d…
