Chapter

Matthew 24:27

ESV For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
NIV For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
NASB For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
CSB For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
NLT For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.
KJV For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

What does Matthew 24:27 mean?

Nobody will miss the return of Jesus. The event won't be exclusive, or hidden, or known only to a few. When He comes the next time (Revelation 19:11–15). At His second coming, He won't appear only to a small group of the faithful. He won't be hidden away in the "inner rooms" of some monastery-style retreat. He won't be off in the wilderness with news arriving to them as a rumor (Matthew 24:25–26).

Here, Jesus adds more dramatic emphasis to this point. His arrival will be as public, and as obvious, as a blast of lightning. He ties this to His role as the "Son of Man," a title also taken from prophecy (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 26:64). While Jesus' first coming was in humility (Luke 2:7), and for sacrifice (Philippians 2:8), His second coming will be in His absolute power, and for judgment (Hebrews 9:27–28; Romans 14:11).

Jesus doesn't want His followers to be led astray by false saviors: those trying to deceive Christians by distorting the truth He has taught them. He doesn't want them led into doubt, unbelief, lawlessness, or lovelessness (Matthew 24:10–14).
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