New Testament · Gospel

Mark 13:26

Watch and Wait

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 13:26, in plain English

Then everyone will see the Son of Man — Jesus Himself — coming in the clouds with overwhelming power and glory.

Why it's here

The same Jesus who rode a donkey into Jerusalem will return in a way no one can miss. The one who was rejected will be revealed as Lord of all.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks about His own glorious return.

Where it sits in the story

This is the moment everything has been building toward. The humble carpenter from Nazareth will be revealed as the King of the universe.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The Son of Man's appearance 'in the clouds with great power and glory' draws from Daniel 7:13-14, where the human-like figure receives universal, everlasting dominion from God.

Language and setting

Jesus' self-identification as the Danielic Son of Man claims both divine authorization and cosmic sovereignty — the ultimate vindication after His suffering and death.

Voice

Jesus describes His own future return in glory.

Significance

The climax of the Olivet Discourse reveals the telos of history: the crucified Jesus will return as the glorified Son of Man, vindicated and enthroned with divine power.

In context

Mark 13:24–28

24But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;

25the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’

26At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27And He will send out the angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.

Read all of Mark 13 — Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives and describes the end of the age. His final command is simple and relentless: stay alert.

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