The Son of Man Comes in Power and Glory
Caravaggio — Biblical Works
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Historical and Cultural Context
Apocalyptic language communicates final judgment, vindication, and heavenly rule. The global scope of the gathering makes this more than a local royal appearance.
Jesus speaks of the angels and elect in possessive terms associated with his own authority.
Old Testament Background
Daniel 7:13-14 describes one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven and receiving glory, dominion, and an everlasting universal kingdom.
Cloud imagery elsewhere in Scripture is also closely associated with divine presence and action.
Exposition
Jesus predicts that people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He then sends the angels to gather the elect from the ends of earth and heaven.
The Son of Man therefore appears as a heavenly ruler with cosmic reach.
Why This Points to His Divinity
Daniel's Son of Man is distinguishable from the Ancient of Days, so the passage does not erase personal distinction.
Its combination of cloud-coming, glory, angelic command, and worldwide gathering nevertheless provides strong evidence for Jesus' participation in divine heavenly authority.