THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 24:29-44

Key Verse: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16

Description: Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to establish His kingdom, judge the world, and gather His people unto Himself.

INTRODUCTION
Matthew 24 contains one of the most important prophetic teachings given by Jesus concerning the end times. After describing various signs that would precede the end of the age, including deception, wars, famines, persecution, and tribulation, Jesus turned His attention to the climactic event toward which all history is moving, the coming of the Son of Man. This glorious return of Christ is the blessed hope of every believer and one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith.

Unlike His first coming, when He arrived in humility as a servant born in Bethlehem, His second coming will be visible, powerful, and glorious. During His first advent, many rejected Him because He did not fit their expectations of a conquering king. However, when He returns, there will be no uncertainty about His identity. The whole world will witness His appearing, and every eye shall see Him. His return will bring both joy and vindication for believers and judgment for those who reject Him.

The certainty of Christ's return should profoundly influence the way believers live. It is not merely a future event to be studied but a present reality that should inspire holiness, faithfulness, watchfulness, and hope. As we examine this passage, we will discover important truths about the coming of the Son of Man and how believers should prepare for that glorious day.

1. THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN WILL BE GLORIOUS AND VISIBLE
Jesus emphasized that His return will be unmistakable and visible to the entire world.

a) Christ Will Return in Power and Glory (Matthew 24:30)
Unlike His first coming in humility, Jesus will return with divine majesty, authority, and splendour.

b) Every Eye Shall See Him (Revelation 1:7)
His return will not be secret or limited to a particular location. The whole world will witness His appearing.

c) The Sign of the Son of Man Will Appear (Matthew 24:30)
God will reveal unmistakable evidence of Christ's return, removing all doubt and confusion.

d) The Nations Will Recognize Him (Zechariah 12:10)
Many who rejected Him will realize too late that Jesus is truly the promised Messiah and King.

Biblical Example: At Jesus' ascension, the angels declared that He would return in the same manner as He departed into heaven (Acts 1:9-11).

2. THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN WILL FOLLOW GREAT TRIBULATION
Jesus taught that significant events would occur before His glorious return.

a) Cosmic Disturbances Will Occur (Matthew 24:29)
The sun, moon, and stars will be affected in extraordinary ways, demonstrating God's intervention in human history.

b) Human Confidence Will Collapse (Luke 21:25-26)
The world will experience fear and uncertainty as divine judgments unfold.

c) Prophetic Scriptures Will Be Fulfilled (Daniel 12:1)
The events surrounding Christ's return will confirm the accuracy of biblical prophecy.

d) God's Plan Will Reach Completion (Revelation 11:15)
The kingdoms of this world will ultimately become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ.

Biblical Example: The plagues in Egypt demonstrated God's power over creation and foreshadowed His future intervention in world affairs (Exodus 7–12).

3. THE SON OF MAN WILL GATHER HIS ELECT
One of the glorious aspects of Christ's return is the gathering of His redeemed people.

a) The Angels Will Be Sent Forth (Matthew 24:31)
God's angels will participate in gathering believers from every corner of the earth.

b) The Redeemed Will Be United (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Believers from all generations will be gathered together with Christ.

c) No Believer Will Be Forgotten (John 10:28-29)
Every person who belongs to Christ will be securely gathered into His eternal kingdom.

d) Eternal Fellowship Will Begin (John 14:2-3)
The gathering of the saints marks the beginning of everlasting fellowship with Christ.

Biblical Example: Noah and his family were safely gathered into the ark before judgment fell upon the earth (Genesis 7:1-16).

4. THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN WILL BRING JUDGMENT
Christ's return will not only bring salvation to believers but also judgment upon unbelief and rebellion.

a) The Wicked Will Face Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
Those who reject God's salvation will face the consequences of their choices.

b) Every Person Will Give Account (Romans 14:12)
All humanity will stand before God and answer for their lives.

c) Hidden Things Will Be Revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
God's perfect judgment will expose every secret thought, word, and deed.

d) Divine Justice Will Prevail (Revelation 20:11-15)
God's righteousness will be fully demonstrated in His final judgment.

Biblical Example: The judgment of the ancient world during Noah's generation illustrates God's certainty in judging persistent wickedness (Genesis 6:5-7).

5. BELIEVERS MUST LIVE IN CONSTANT READINESS
Since no one knows the exact time of Christ's return, believers must always be prepared.

a) The Day Is Unknown (Matthew 24:36)
No person knows the exact day or hour of Christ's return except the Father.

b) Spiritual Watchfulness Is Required (Matthew 24:42)
Believers must remain alert and spiritually prepared.

c) Faithfulness Must Continue (Matthew 24:45-46)
Christ expects His followers to remain diligent in their responsibilities until He returns.

d) Holiness Must Be Maintained (2 Peter 3:11-12)
The hope of Christ's return should inspire holy and godly living.

Biblical Example: The wise virgins prepared in advance and were ready when the bridegroom arrived (Matthew 25:1-13).

6. THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN IS THE BELIEVER'S BLESSED HOPE
For the faithful Christian, Christ's return is not a cause for fear but a source of great encouragement.

a) Redemption Will Be Complete (Romans 8:23)
Believers will experience the full realization of their salvation.

b) Suffering Will End (Revelation 21:4)
Pain, sorrow, and death will be removed forever.

c) Christ Will Reign Forever (Revelation 11:15)
The Lord's righteous kingdom will be fully established.

d) Eternal Rewards Will Be Given (2 Timothy 4:8)
Faithful believers will receive their reward from the Lord.

Biblical Example: Abraham looked forward to a heavenly city whose builder and maker is God, demonstrating the hope of eternal inheritance (Hebrews 11:10).

CONCLUSION
The coming of the Son of Man is one of the most glorious truths in Scripture. Jesus Christ will return visibly, powerfully, and victoriously. He will gather His people, judge the world, fulfil every prophecy, and establish His eternal kingdom. This event is certain because it is founded upon the promises of God, who cannot lie.

As believers, we must not become distracted by the cares of this world or complacent in our spiritual lives. Instead, we must remain watchful, faithful, and prepared. Every day should be lived with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment. Those who eagerly await His appearing will find strength, encouragement, and hope as they continue serving Him until that glorious day.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to live in constant readiness for the return of Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, keep my heart faithful and devoted to You in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from spiritual complacency in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to remain watchful and prayerful in Jesus name.

5. Father, grant me grace to endure faithfully until the end in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a fruitful servant awaiting Your return in Jesus name.

7. Father, let my life reflect holiness and righteousness in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to share the gospel with urgency and compassion in Jesus name.

9. Father, count me worthy to stand before the Son of Man in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let me rejoice at Your appearing and not be ashamed before You in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain faithful until the coming of the Lord.

2. Your love for Christ shall grow stronger with each passing day.

3. You shall not be distracted by the cares of this world.

4. The Lord shall keep you watchful and spiritually alert.

5. You shall walk in holiness and righteousness before God.

6. Every assignment God has given you shall be fulfilled successfully.

7. You shall be counted among those who eagerly await Christ's return.

8. The grace to endure to the end shall rest upon your life.

9. You shall receive eternal rewards for faithful service.

10. You shall rejoice with great joy at the glorious coming of the Son of Man, in Jesus' name. Amen.