Matthew 24:27 - The Return of the Son of Man

For just as the lightning comes from the east
This phrase emphasizes the suddenness and visibility of Christ's return. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that appears quickly and is visible to all who are in its path. In biblical times, the east often symbolized the direction from which divine intervention or significant events originated. The Magi, for example, came from the east to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:1). This imagery suggests that Christ's return will be unmistakable and evident to everyone.

and flashes as far as the west
The mention of the west indicates the all-encompassing nature of the event. Lightning that stretches from east to west covers a vast area, symbolizing that the return of Christ will be a global event, witnessed by all people regardless of their location. This universality is consistent with other biblical prophecies that describe the end times as affecting the entire world (Revelation 1:7).

so will be the coming of the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term that Jesus frequently used for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and an everlasting kingdom. This phrase confirms that Jesus is speaking about His second coming, which will be as visible and undeniable as lightning. The use of "coming" (Greek: parousia) refers to His arrival in glory and power, contrasting with His first coming in humility. This event fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies and is a central hope in Christian eschatology, as believers anticipate the final establishment of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, referring to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title emphasizing His role in divine judgment and His humanity.

2. The Son of Man
A messianic title used by Jesus, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, signifying His authority and divine mission.

3. Lightning
A natural phenomenon used metaphorically to describe the suddenness and visibility of Christ's return.

4. East and West
Directions symbolizing the universality and global visibility of Christ's second coming.

5. The Second Coming
The future event when Jesus will return to earth in glory and power, as prophesied in the New Testament.

Teaching Points

Certainty of Christ's Return
Jesus assures us of His return, which will be unmistakable and visible to all. Believers should live with the expectation and hope of His coming.

Suddenness and Universality
Just as lightning is sudden and visible across the sky, Christ's return will be unexpected and seen by all. This calls for readiness and vigilance in our spiritual lives.

The Authority of the Son of Man
Jesus, as the Son of Man, holds divine authority. His return will fulfill God's redemptive plan, and we should submit to His lordship now.

Living in Light of His Coming
Knowing that Christ will return should impact our daily lives, encouraging us to live holy and godly lives, sharing the gospel with urgency.

(27) As the lightning cometh out of the east.--In this and the three preceding verses we are, as it were, on the dim border-land of the primary and the ultimate fulfilments of the words. The disciples in their questions (Matthew 24:3) had connected the destruction of Jerusalem with the "coming" of their Lord, and the two are connected even in His own words and thoughts. In whatever way He came, whether in the final destruction of the Temple and polity of Israel, or at the end of the world's great drama, the advent would be sudden and unlooked-for as the lightning-flash. The crises of the world's history, which are the "springing and germinant accomplishments" of such words as these, are always unexpected by the great mass of mankind, even though the few whose eyes are opened can discern the signs of the times, and know that their "redemption draweth nigh."

Verse 27. - As the lightning...east...west. That is, shines from one end of heaven to the other. St. Chrysostom's comment explains the similitude: "How, then, shineth the lightning? It needs not one to talk of it, it needs not a herald, but even to them in chambers it shows itself in an instant of time throughout the whole world. So shall that coming be, showing itself at once everywhere by reason of the shining forth of his glory." We are told, "every eye shall see him." His advent shall be sudden, universal, unmistakable; in a moment he shall be present, visible in all his power and glory. From the language of this verse probably has been derived the orientation of churches, and the mode adopted of depositing the bodies of deceased Christians, so that they may at the resurrection face the Lord when he comes from the east. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

just as
ὥσπερ (hōsper)
Adverb
Strong's 5618: Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

lightning
ἀστραπὴ (astrapē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 796: A flash of lightning, brightness, luster. From astrapto; lightning; by analogy, glare.

comes
ἐξέρχεται (exerchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] east
ἀνατολῶν (anatolōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 395: From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

flashes
φαίνεται (phainetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5316: Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.

as far as
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

[the] west,
δυσμῶν (dysmōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1424: A setting (of the sun), hence: the West. From duno; the sun-set, i.e. the western region.

so
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

will be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

coming
παρουσία (parousia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3952: From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱοῦ (Huiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Man.
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

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