27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. 28 Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Mark began his gospel account with “Jesus, the Son of God.” Luke had the angel announcing that “the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (1:38), John’s gospel account has John the Baptist saying, “I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the son of God” (1:34), and Nathanael confessing, “You are the Son of God…” (John 1:49). And, of course, John 3:16 has Jesus referring to Himself saying, “… who believes in the Son of God will not perish but have everlasting life.” Yet, in Matthew’s gospel Christ never refers to Himself as the “Son of God” preferring the alternate designation, “Son of Man.”
In this book, the description “Son of God” was used by others, namely Satan (4:3), the demons (8:29), the high priest (26:63), mockers (27:40), accusers (27:43), a centurion at the cross (27:54) and finally in the supreme confession of faith by the disciples (16:16). This is all in keeping with Matthew’s purpose in writing, namely leading the reader along, inductively, to reach the same logical conclusion as the disciples, of who Jesus is, rather having Jesus come right out and say it.
The use of “Son of Man” 31 times in Matthew emphasizes Jesus humanity. But, when used as a title, it would invoke in the Jews’ minds the prophecy of Daniel, “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him” (Dan 7:13). Jesus had already touched on the idea of Son of Man returning (Matt 10:23) and was going to say more about it in chapters 24-25. The Son of Man will come to mete out God’s justice as appropriate to each offense.
That event, the return of the Son of Man, whom we understand to be referring to Christ Himself, was now proclaimed by Him as something they should anticipate within their own life-span. In fact, some of His disciples would be eyewitnesses of it! This, to be sure, may have fed their anticipation of imminent political takeover, that so many were hoping for, but for us readers it proves to be somewhat enigmatic, confusing. As events unfold, however, it will soon become clear that Jesus was referring to something else.
Lord, while I look forward to Your return in glory, help me, while waiting, to live my life here for Your glory.
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