“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31 ESV).
Matthew recorded Jesus’ words to His disciples as part of the Olivet Discourse, spoken shortly before the crucifixion, to prepare them for the future consummation of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus spoke of His coming not as a metaphor or parable, but as a literal, future event when the Son of Man would return in glory, accompanied by angels, and assume His rightful place as King and Judge.
Matthew showed that this coming involved the gathering of “all the nations” (panta ta ethnē), referring to all peoples living at the time of Christ’s return, both saved and unsaved. Before His glorious throne, humanity would be unerringly separated, like sheep from goats. Those who belonged to Christ would be welcomed into the kingdom prepared for them, while those who rejected Him would face eternal punishment. This scene fit squarely within biblical eschatology: following the tribulation, Christ would return in glory, judge the living nations, and establish His millennial kingdom. The judgment described did not teach salvation by works; rather, the deeds mentioned revealed the reality of a regenerate heart. Works functioned as evidence of faith, not the basis of acceptance before God.
In this passage, we are reminded that history is moving toward a definite, glorious conclusion. We live now in light of a coming judgment that will be real, personal, and unavoidable. Knowing that Christ will separate the sheep from the goats, let us examine our hearts to see whether our faith is genuine and producing fruit. We do not trust in our works to save us, but we recognize that true faith results in transformed lives. The certainty of Christ’s return urges us to live with urgency, obedience, and hope. Let us therefore endure faithfully, proclaim the gospel boldly, and serve others lovingly, with confident hope that our King is coming in glory.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that history is in Your hands. Help us to live as those who truly belong to the King, bearing fruit that reflects hearts changed by grace. Strengthen our faith, deepen our obedience, and fix our hope on the day when Christ comes again. In Jesus’ name, amen.