Luke 21:27

Luke 21:27, in plain English

After all the frightening signs, the best part arrives — Jesus Himself returns, visible to everyone, in breathtaking power and glory.

Why it's here

This is the payoff of the entire prophecy. Everything else was leading up to this moment: Jesus coming back, and this time everyone will see Him.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks about His own glorious return, giving His followers the ultimate reason to hope through every trial.

Where it sits in the story

All the scary signs were just the opening act. The main event is Jesus coming back — not as a humble servant this time, but in unmistakable power and glory. This is what you're ultimately waiting for, and it's going to be extraordinary.

The scholarly reading

Jesus applies the Daniel 7:13 Son of Man vision to Himself, describing His parousia (coming) in a cloud (nephelē, singular in Luke) with dynamis (power) and doxa (glory). The phrase 'Son of Man' is Jesus' preferred self-designation.

Language and setting

This is the climax of the Olivet Discourse — after cosmic disruption, the Son of Man appears in divine glory, fulfilling Daniel's vision of one receiving everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days.

Voice

Jesus speaks of Himself in the third person using the messianic title 'Son of Man,' revealing His future return as cosmic king and judge.

Significance

After all the fear, destruction, and cosmic upheaval, the moment arrives: the Son of Man descends in visible, unmistakable glory. This is not a humble carpenter from Nazareth but the glorified Lord of Daniel's vision, coming with the full authority of heaven.

25There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.

26Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

Read all of Luke 21 — A widow drops two coins into the treasury, and Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple. The end is coming, but so is redemption.