What does Matthew 25:31 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 25:31 is a verse that describes the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, highlighting the majesty and authority with which He will return.

The "Son of man" is a term often used by Jesus to refer to Himself, which echoes the messianic figure described in the Book of Daniel.

The imagery of Christ's return in glory with angels suggests a royal and divine procession, underscoring His role as judge and king.

The phrase "his glory" is repeated, once to denote His personal majesty and again as a description of the throne upon which He will sit. This throne is symbolic of His judgment authority, from which He will separate the righteous from the wicked.

The verse sets the stage for the subsequent parables that discuss readiness, stewardship, and compassion.

Historical Context

Matthew 25:31 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.

This discourse is found in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, where Jesus speaks about the end times and His second coming.

Written near the end of the first century, the Gospel of Matthew addresses a primarily Jewish-Christian audience, which is reflected in the numerous references to Hebrew scripture and apocalyptic themes prevalent in Jewish thought.

The early Christian community was expectant of Christ’s imminent return and this verse reflects the eschatological hope prevalent at the time.

Theological Insights

This verse has been interpreted in various ways within Christian theology.

Many theologians see it as a clear depiction of the final judgment when Christ returns.

From a Preterist perspective, which believes biblical prophecies have already occurred, this return may symbolize the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

However, Futurists, who hold that most eschatological prophecies will happen in the future, interpret this verse as describing the literal second coming of Jesus.

Amillennialists view this event as part of Christ's ultimate victory over evil, while Postmillennialists and Premillennialists associate it with different phases of Christ's reign.

Regardless of the perspective, this verse emphasizes the certainty of Christ’s return and judgment.

Practical Applications

Applying Matthew 25:31 to daily life involves living with an awareness that life's actions are significant and have eternal implications.

It encourages believers to live righteously, practice justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, knowing that they will be accountable for their lives.

This anticipation of Christ's return should lead to a life of preparedness, moral integrity, and service to others, embodying the principles that Jesus taught throughout His ministry.

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:27: "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
• Revelation 20:11-12: "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened..."

• Daniel 7:13-14: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Matthew 25:31 include:

• "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου): A term used in the Septuagint and by Jesus to refer to himself, denoting a human figure with a divine commission.
• "Glory" (δόξα): Refers to the majesty and splendid radiance associated with divine presence.
• "Angels" (ἄγγελοι): Messenger beings that serve God, often seen as agents of God’s will or as heavenly host.
• "Throne" (θρόνου): Symbolic of kingly power and authority, particularly in a judgment context.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of Jesus, Jewish apocalyptic literature was rich with imagery of divine judgment, such as the throne visions found in the Book of Daniel and 1 Enoch.

Comparatively, in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, gods were often depicted as rulers who sat on thrones of glory, making divine judgment.

In Zoroastrianism, there is a concept of a final judgment by Ahura Mazda.

These views show a cross-cultural acknowledgment of divine justice and authority.

Scientific Perspectives

The Second Coming, as described by this verse, is a theological concept rather than a scientific one.

However, scientific theories like the Big Bang or heat death of the universe prompt reflections on the ultimate fate of the cosmos, which might intersect with religious eschatological perspectives that consider the end of the world and divine intervention.

commentaries

Scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Matthew 25:31.

John Calvin emphasizes the sovereignty of Christ as a judge who is merciful yet just.

He indicates that the glory of Christ will be universally visible at the Second Coming.

William Barclay points out that the true glory of a king lies not in pomp and circumstances but in righteousness and justice, which Christ will exemplify in the final judgment.

The New American Commentary suggests that the depiction of angels attending Christ indicates the great importance of His return and the verdict He will pronounce.

These are just a few examples reflecting the range of views on this verse.