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Matthew 24:30
Verse
Context
The Return of the Son of Man
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’ 30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he shall send his angels,.... Not the angels, i.e. ministering spirits, so called, not from their nature, but their office, as being sent forth by God and Christ; but men angels, or messengers, the ministers and preachers of the Gospel, whom Christ would call, qualify, and send forth into all the world of the Gentiles, to preach his Gospel, and plant churches there still more, when that at Jerusalem was broken up and dissolved. These are called "angels", because of their mission, and commission from Christ, to preach the Gospel; and because of their knowledge and understanding in spiritual things; and because of their zeal, diligence, and watchfulness, With a great sound of a trumpet, meaning the Gospel; see Isa 27:13 so called in allusion either to the silver trumpets which Moses was ordered to make of one piece, and use them for the calling of the assembly, the journeying of the camps, blowing an alarm for war, and on their solemn and festival days, Num 10:1. The Gospel being rich and precious, all of a piece, useful for gathering souls to Christ, and to his churches; to direct saints in their journey to Canaan's land; to encourage them to fight the Lord's battles; and is a joyful sound, being a sound of love, grace, and mercy, peace, pardon, righteousness, life and salvation, by Christ: or else so called, in allusion to the trumpet blown in the year of "jubilee"; which proclaimed rest to the land, liberty to prisoners, a release of debts, and restoration of inheritances; as the Gospel publishes rest in Christ, liberty to the captives of sin, Satan, and the law, a payment of debts by Christ, and a release from them upon that, and a right and title to the heavenly inheritance. The Vulgate Latin reads it, "with a trumpet, and a great voice"; and so does Munster's Hebrew Gospel; and so it was read in four of Beza's copies: and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other; that is, by the ministration of the Gospel; the Spirit of God accompanying it with his power, and grace, the ministers of the word should gather out of the world unto Christ, and to his churches, such persons as God had, before the foundation of the world, chosen in Christ, unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; wherever they are under the whole heavens, from one end to another; or in any part of the earth, though at the greatest distance; for in Mar 13:27 it is said, "from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of the heaven". The Jews (h) say, that "in the after redemption (i.e. by the Messiah) all Israel shall be gathered together by the sound of a trumpet, from the four parts of the world. (h) Zohar in Lev. fol. 47. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:30 the sign that the Son of Man is coming (literally the sign of the Son of Man): The sign is probably the Son of Man himself (see 12:38-42; 16:4). His coming expresses his vindication (see 26:64) and will bring deep mourning to those who experience God’s judgment. • All the peoples of the earth could be translated all the tribes of the land. The term used here is not the usual Greek term for Gentile nations (ethnoi), but a term used frequently of the tribes (phulai) of Israel (the land), suggesting that a national disaster in Israel might be in view (see 21:43; Zech 12:10-14). • the Son of Man coming on the clouds: See Dan 7:13. Many believe that this means a descent of the Son of Man from God’s presence to reside on earth as Judge and Deliverer—i.e., the second coming of Christ. Others have argued that this describes the Son of Man coming in judgment, but not necessarily the second coming of Christ (see Matt 10:23; 16:27; 19:28; 25:31; 26:64; 28:18).
Matthew 24:30
The Return of the Son of Man
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’ 30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Day of Shock & Awe
By Jim Cymbala8.9K41:43Judgment DayMAT 24:302TH 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the indisputable fact that Jesus is coming again. He describes it as the day of the Lord, a day of shock and awe promised by God. The preacher highlights that while the nations will mourn and realize judgment is coming, those who know the Lord will see it as a homecoming, a time of no more tears, sin, or trouble. The sermon also references a recent event of precision bombing in Baghdad, known as the night of shock and awe, to illustrate the power and magnitude of Jesus' coming with his angels in blazing fire.
God Is Good (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K05:50CompilationMAT 7:15MAT 24:30LUK 21:26ACT 2:1EPH 6:12PHP 2:92TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of leaving behind the old flesh and dedicating oneself to prayer, supplication, fasting, and spending time with the Lord. The preacher emphasizes that knowing God requires worshiping Him and magnifying His holy name. The sermon also highlights the urgency of taking a stand against the world that is heading towards destruction. The preacher warns about the presence of enemies of the truth and the cross, and the need for the church and preachers to be strong. The sermon concludes with the preacher reminding the audience of the imminent return of Jesus and the importance of being prepared for it.
(1 John #18) in Prospect and Restrospect
By J. Glyn Owen2.5K35:59Christian LifeMAT 24:301JN 1:81JN 2:291JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two important aspects of the Christian faith: hope and habit. He emphasizes the Christian hope, which is centered around the belief that Jesus Christ will reappear in glory. The preacher also discusses the prospect that purifies, highlighting the importance of living a consistent and righteous life. He explains that Christ's purpose was to take away sin and break its dominion over believers. The overall message is that as children of God, our relationship with Jesus should lead us away from sin and towards a Christ-like life.
Jesus Is Coming Again
By Chuck Smith1.6K32:17PSA 22:18ISA 53:3DAN 7:13MAT 24:30JHN 3:16JHN 19:34REV 1:5REV 19:16This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the blessings that come from studying its prophecies. It explores the diverse prophecies regarding the Messiah's first and second comings, highlighting the importance of recognizing Jesus as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the imminent return of Jesus, urging listeners to choose to be among those who rejoice at His coming.
Opening of the Seals
By Paris Reidhead1.3K52:02End TimesMAT 24:4MAT 24:14MAT 24:30REV 5:4REV 6:1REV 6:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fourth seal in the book of Revelation. The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, symbolizing death, and hell follows with it. The power is given to them to kill a fourth part of the earth with sword, hunger, death, and beasts. The preacher emphasizes that this judgment is a consequence of humanity's rejection of Jesus Christ and their refusal to repent and believe the gospel.
Christ, the Demander
By Rolfe Barnard1.2K49:45SovereigntyMAT 24:30LUK 9:62JHN 20:31ACT 14:22ROM 10:9ROM 10:13PHP 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the analogy of a rebellion in a sovereign's kingdom to illustrate the spiritual battle between the sons of the kingdom and the sons of darkness. The preacher urges the listeners to throw down their arms of rebellion and bow at the feet of the Master. He highlights the longsuffering and grace of God, who desires all men to come to repentance and receive pardon through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Mid South Conference 1978-02 Fellowship in the Gospel
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.1K32:20GospelGEN 30:1ISA 19:18ISA 19:21MAT 6:33MAT 24:30MRK 16:15PHP 1:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of fellowship in the gospel and how it is initiated by God Himself. He emphasizes the need for believers to actively share the message of Christ and make it freely available to all. The preacher also highlights the significance of the day of Jesus Christ mentioned in verse 6, explaining that it refers to the ultimate fulfillment of God's work in believers' lives. He concludes by urging listeners to examine their own commitment to spreading the gospel and warns that if the church fails to fulfill its mission, the world will infiltrate and corrupt it.
Jerusalem
By Welcome Detweiler69535:30MAT 21:2MAT 21:5MAT 21:12MAT 21:22MAT 24:2MAT 24:30MAT 24:44In this sermon, the speaker shares about his recent trip to the land of Israel and the significance of the geographical locations mentioned in the Bible. He mentions that there is no spot on earth that has been seen more often on television screens than this narrow strip of land. The speaker also talks about his experience with chicks and how their mother protects them from danger, drawing a parallel to Jesus wanting to protect the people of Jerusalem from their sins. The sermon concludes with the message that Jesus wants to save people from danger and a lost eternity.
Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 5
By David Adams49339:18PSA 2:1MAT 6:33MAT 24:30MAT 26:63JHN 8:58ACT 4:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses various trilogies in the life of Jesus. He mentions the times when Jesus gave thanks, heard an audible voice from heaven, and wept, highlighting their significance for further study. The speaker then focuses on the trilogy of judges that Jesus stood before on the last night of his life. He describes how Pilate found no fault in Jesus three times, but the crowd demanded his crucifixion, leading to a conflict between Roman law and the crowd's accusation.
The Second Coming 10 the Good Samaritan
By Stan Ford45542:32MAT 7:21MAT 22:39MAT 24:30LUK 10:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not turning away from God. They warn that a nation that rejects God will face judgment. The speaker also highlights the story of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the dangerous and downward journey the injured man took from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stress the need to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and challenge listeners to consider who their neighbor truly is. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the tragic condition of those who reject Jesus Christ and continue on a downward path.
Mark - Jesus in the Jewish Court
By J. Glyn Owen40247:40JesusMAT 24:30MAT 28:18MRK 14:53JHN 2:19ACT 7:48REV 19:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the trials of Jesus before his crucifixion. He explains that Jesus was tried by both the Jews and the Romans because the Jews did not have the power to put someone to death. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus was willing to suffer in order to save sinners from the consequences of their sins. He also mentions that the Jewish trial had three parts, with two different high priests involved. The speaker encourages the audience to read all four Gospels together to get a complete picture of the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection.
Jesus Will Deliver Jewish Captives: Second Coming Procession
By Mike Bickle261:07:42Deliverance of IsraelSecond ComingPSA 126:1ISA 42:6ISA 49:9EZK 36:24DAN 12:7MIC 2:13ZEC 14:4MAT 24:30ROM 11:26REV 19:11Mike Bickle addresses the profound and often politically incorrect topic of Jesus' second coming, focusing on His role in delivering Jewish captives from concentration camps and the implications of this event for both Israel and the church. He emphasizes that the second coming is not just a singular event but a process involving a significant military campaign centered around Jerusalem, where Jesus will liberate those imprisoned and confront the enemies of Israel. Bickle highlights the necessity for the church to stand with Israel during these times of persecution, as it is a critical aspect of God's plan and a test of faith for believers. He draws on Old Testament prophecies to illustrate the weighty nature of this subject, urging the church to prepare for the challenges ahead and to understand the importance of divine revelation over human sentiment.
The Millennial Kingdom: Jesus' 1,000-Year Reign on Earth
By Mike Bickle2343:45Millennial KingdomEnd TimesPSA 110:6ISA 2:3ISA 9:7ISA 61:4ISA 64:1MAT 24:30JHN 15:16EPH 1:9HEB 12:26REV 20:4Mike Bickle discusses the Millennial Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of correcting common false assumptions about Jesus' 1,000-year reign on Earth. He explains that this period will be characterized by Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, affecting all aspects of life, and that the natural realm will not be suspended but will continue to function alongside the supernatural. Bickle highlights the need for a paradigm shift in understanding the continuity between the current age and the Millennial Kingdom, stressing that social improvements will be gradual and require human involvement. He also clarifies misconceptions about the second coming and the rapture, asserting that they are distinct events. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to engage with Scripture to reshape their understanding of the end times.
Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
By Mike Bickle221:23:40Justice and RighteousnessEnd TimesPSA 2:10ISA 42:1ISA 63:1ZEC 12:10MAT 24:30LUK 18:7LUK 21:26REV 19:11REV 20:4REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem, highlighting the prophetic events outlined in Revelation 19-21. He explains that this moment marks the culmination of human history, where Jesus will confront the ultimate oppressor, the antichrist, and establish His reign of justice and righteousness. Bickle encourages believers to understand the importance of prayer in preparing for these end-time events, as the prayer movement will play a crucial role in confronting evil and ushering in God's kingdom. He stresses the need for clarity and understanding of the prophetic scriptures to navigate the challenges ahead, reminding the church of its responsibility to warn the nations and prepare for Christ's return.
Seventh Bowl: Earthquake, Hail, and the Fall of Babylon (Rev. 16:17-21)
By Mike Bickle191:04:49Hope and RestorationGod's JudgmentJOB 38:22PSA 2:8ISA 42:15EZK 38:22ZEC 14:4MAT 24:30HEB 12:26REV 15:3REV 16:17REV 18:8Mike Bickle delivers a powerful sermon on the seventh bowl of God's judgment as described in Revelation 16:17-21, emphasizing the dramatic and transformative nature of this final intervention in human history. He explains that the seventh bowl represents the most severe judgment, featuring a great earthquake and massive hailstones, which will lead to the permanent destruction of Babylon and a significant shift in the earth's topography. Bickle highlights God's decisive action against sin and injustice, assuring believers that this judgment is a necessary step towards establishing righteousness and love in the world. He encourages the congregation to marvel at God's wisdom and love revealed through these events, reminding them that the end of the story is ultimately one of hope and restoration.
First Five Bowls of Wrath (Rev. 16:1-11)
By Mike Bickle181:05:07Proclamation of TruthGod's JudgmentEXO 7:17PSA 2:9PSA 149:6ISA 40:10ISA 63:1HAB 3:5ZEC 14:1MAT 24:30REV 15:1REV 16:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the first five bowls of wrath in Revelation, explaining that they reveal God's character and serve as a warning to the nations. He draws parallels between the bowls and the plagues of Egypt, highlighting that these judgments are meant to lead people to repentance and understanding of God's justice. Bickle stresses the importance of the church in proclaiming these truths, as they prepare for the return of Christ and the ultimate victory over evil. He encourages believers to embrace the reality of Jesus as both Savior and Judge, and to be active witnesses of His coming judgments.
How to Encounter Jesus as the Son of Man (Rev. 1)
By Mike Bickle141:02:53Encountering JesusThe Majesty of ChristPSA 91:14PRO 18:10DAN 7:13MAT 24:30MAT 25:31JHN 17:11REV 1:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of encountering Jesus as the Son of Man through Revelation 1, highlighting its wealth of insights about His majesty and glory. He encourages the church to engage deeply with the 30 descriptions of Jesus found in this chapter, which are essential for understanding His role in the end times and preparing for His return. Bickle stresses that these truths are often neglected but are crucial for empowering believers to navigate the challenges of the last days. He calls for a personal response to these revelations, urging believers to agree with, seek deeper understanding of, and commit to living out the truths about Jesus. Ultimately, he invites the church to experience a transformative relationship with the Son of Man, who is both fully God and fully man.
The Supernatural Hope
By A.B. Simpson0Supernatural HopeSecond Coming Of ChristDAN 7:27ZEC 14:9MAT 24:30JHN 14:3ROM 8:191CO 15:42TIT 2:13HEB 11:102PE 3:12REV 20:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the supernatural hope of Christ's return, urging believers to look forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus as a remedy against the skepticism of modern thought. He critiques the evolutionary mindset that dismisses divine intervention in history, asserting that both nature and scripture testify to a future transformation and resurrection. Simpson illustrates this hope through biblical figures like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, who exemplified faith in God's promises. He concludes that this hope not only inspires Christian living and service but also serves as a powerful message to the world, calling for repentance and readiness for the coming King.
Parable of the Pounds (Part 1)
By J.C. Ryle0Understanding ProphecyChrist's AdventsPSA 22:16ISA 53:5DAN 9:26MIC 5:2ZEC 9:9MAT 24:30LUK 19:11ACT 1:11ROM 11:26REV 1:7J.C. Ryle discusses the Parable of the Pounds, emphasizing the misunderstanding of Jesus' disciples regarding the immediate establishment of God's kingdom. He highlights their error in overlooking the necessity of Christ's suffering before His glory, paralleling it with contemporary Christians who may misinterpret prophecies about Christ's second coming. Ryle urges believers to approach Old Testament prophecies with a literal understanding, warning against the dangers of spiritualizing texts that refer to Israel and Jerusalem. He calls for a renewed examination of prophetic scriptures, advocating for a balanced view of both Christ's first and second advents. Ultimately, Ryle stresses the importance of recognizing the literal fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the implications for the Church today.
Matthew 24:44
By Chuck Smith0End TimesVigilanceMAT 24:6MAT 24:14MAT 24:21MAT 24:30MAT 24:32MAT 24:36MAT 24:44MRK 13:32LUK 21:28Chuck Smith discusses the signs of the end of the world as foretold in Matthew 24:44, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. He explains that the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age reflect a Jewish context, not the church, and warns against false prophets who distract from the truth of Scripture. Smith highlights the signs of the times, including wars, famines, and natural disasters, urging believers to focus on God's eternal purposes with Israel and to read the Bible for guidance. He concludes with the call to watch and be ready, as the exact time of Christ's return is unknown.
Daniel 7:13
By Chuck Smith0The Kingdom of GodConsequences of SinISA 11:9DAN 7:13MAT 24:30JHN 14:1ROM 5:121CO 6:9GAL 5:19EPH 5:52TI 3:1REV 21:3Chuck Smith discusses Daniel's vision of the kingdoms of man, emphasizing their violent and destructive nature, and the ultimate rebellion against God that began in the Garden of Eden. He highlights the consequences of sin and the moral decline in society, illustrating how nations that disregard God's laws face tyranny and conflict. Despite the grim outlook, Smith offers hope in the promise of Jesus' return, where He will establish a righteous kingdom free from pain and suffering. He warns that only those who trust in Jesus will inherit this kingdom, while the unrighteous will be excluded.
Psalms 102:16
By Chuck Smith0ProphecyRestorationPSA 102:16ISA 31:5ISA 60:1JER 30:3EZK 36:24DAN 9:26JOL 2:23ZEC 13:7MAT 24:30ROM 11:25Chuck Smith discusses the desolation of Zion as a consequence of rejecting the Messiah, emphasizing that God scattered His people and left the land barren. However, he highlights God's promise to restore Zion, bringing His people back and revitalizing the land, which has seen a remarkable transformation in recent history. Smith points out that the return of the Jews to their homeland, despite initial unbelief, is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, leading to Israel's rebirth as a nation in 1948. He concludes with the assurance of Christ's second coming in glory, contrasting it with His first coming in humility, and the future role of the Jewish people in God's plan.
Of the Second Coming of Christ, and His Personal Appearance.
By John Gill0Hope and VigilanceSecond Coming Of ChristZEC 14:4MAT 24:30JHN 14:2ACT 1:111CO 15:521TH 4:162TI 4:1TIT 2:13HEB 9:28REV 1:7John Gill emphasizes the certainty and significance of the Second Coming of Christ, detailing how it will precede the resurrection of the just and the establishment of His kingdom. He explains that Christ's return will be marked by great glory and will fulfill prophecies from the patriarchs and prophets, confirming its inevitability. Gill highlights the dual nature of Christ's coming, both in judgment and in the establishment of His reign, and encourages believers to remain vigilant and prepared for this event. He also discusses the signs that will precede His return and the ultimate purpose of His coming, which includes the full realization of salvation for the saints and the destruction of evil. The sermon serves as a reminder of the hope and expectation that believers should hold regarding Christ's return.
Do the Gospels Reveal a Posttribulational Rapture?
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 13:49MAT 24:30LUK 17:34JHN 3:3JHN 14:2John F. Walvoord discusses the weaknesses of dispensational posttribulationism in relation to the doctrine of the rapture as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. He highlights the selective exegesis and misinterpretation of passages by posttribulationists, emphasizing the importance of considering the context and subject matter of the text. Walvoord examines Matthew 13 and Matthew 24-25, pointing out that while these chapters address the period between Christ's first and second comings, they do not specifically discuss the rapture. He contrasts the pretribulational view with the posttribulational interpretation presented by Robert Gundry, showcasing the differences in understanding the timing and nature of the rapture.
For I Am Also an Israelite
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ZEC 12:10MAT 24:30ROM 11:11TI 1:16REV 1:7Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the significance of the Apostle Paul's conversion as a type and pattern of Israel's future conversion. Through the unique conversion of Saul of Tarsus, God reveals His mercy and plan for the salvation of Israel as a nation. The Apostle Paul's journey from unbelief to faith mirrors Israel's spiritual journey, from blindness and unbelief to recognizing Jesus as their Messiah and King. The heavenly manifestation experienced by Saul of Tarsus foreshadows the future glorious appearing of Jesus to the remnant of Israel, leading to their national conversion and ministry to the nations.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he shall send his angels,.... Not the angels, i.e. ministering spirits, so called, not from their nature, but their office, as being sent forth by God and Christ; but men angels, or messengers, the ministers and preachers of the Gospel, whom Christ would call, qualify, and send forth into all the world of the Gentiles, to preach his Gospel, and plant churches there still more, when that at Jerusalem was broken up and dissolved. These are called "angels", because of their mission, and commission from Christ, to preach the Gospel; and because of their knowledge and understanding in spiritual things; and because of their zeal, diligence, and watchfulness, With a great sound of a trumpet, meaning the Gospel; see Isa 27:13 so called in allusion either to the silver trumpets which Moses was ordered to make of one piece, and use them for the calling of the assembly, the journeying of the camps, blowing an alarm for war, and on their solemn and festival days, Num 10:1. The Gospel being rich and precious, all of a piece, useful for gathering souls to Christ, and to his churches; to direct saints in their journey to Canaan's land; to encourage them to fight the Lord's battles; and is a joyful sound, being a sound of love, grace, and mercy, peace, pardon, righteousness, life and salvation, by Christ: or else so called, in allusion to the trumpet blown in the year of "jubilee"; which proclaimed rest to the land, liberty to prisoners, a release of debts, and restoration of inheritances; as the Gospel publishes rest in Christ, liberty to the captives of sin, Satan, and the law, a payment of debts by Christ, and a release from them upon that, and a right and title to the heavenly inheritance. The Vulgate Latin reads it, "with a trumpet, and a great voice"; and so does Munster's Hebrew Gospel; and so it was read in four of Beza's copies: and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other; that is, by the ministration of the Gospel; the Spirit of God accompanying it with his power, and grace, the ministers of the word should gather out of the world unto Christ, and to his churches, such persons as God had, before the foundation of the world, chosen in Christ, unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; wherever they are under the whole heavens, from one end to another; or in any part of the earth, though at the greatest distance; for in Mar 13:27 it is said, "from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of the heaven". The Jews (h) say, that "in the after redemption (i.e. by the Messiah) all Israel shall be gathered together by the sound of a trumpet, from the four parts of the world. (h) Zohar in Lev. fol. 47. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:30 the sign that the Son of Man is coming (literally the sign of the Son of Man): The sign is probably the Son of Man himself (see 12:38-42; 16:4). His coming expresses his vindication (see 26:64) and will bring deep mourning to those who experience God’s judgment. • All the peoples of the earth could be translated all the tribes of the land. The term used here is not the usual Greek term for Gentile nations (ethnoi), but a term used frequently of the tribes (phulai) of Israel (the land), suggesting that a national disaster in Israel might be in view (see 21:43; Zech 12:10-14). • the Son of Man coming on the clouds: See Dan 7:13. Many believe that this means a descent of the Son of Man from God’s presence to reside on earth as Judge and Deliverer—i.e., the second coming of Christ. Others have argued that this describes the Son of Man coming in judgment, but not necessarily the second coming of Christ (see Matt 10:23; 16:27; 19:28; 25:31; 26:64; 28:18).