Matthew 24 and 25 are often called the Olivet Discourse. While sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite to Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus gives a striking outline of the future.

From verse 31 of Matthew 25, He speaks of His future kingdom and glory. In this context is the judgment of the living nations.

Besides speaking of His true humanity, the name “Son of Man” also denotes to us both His suffering and His glory. He was the Son of Man who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death. In becoming Man, the Son of God passed by the angels to take for a time a lower rank than they: “for indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:16). He became a Man. He did this so He could die for men. Amazing grace!

However, this name “Son of Man” also speaks of the future glory and dominion He will receive as a Man in this present world. This was predicted also in Daniel 7. Now in our passage, we read that He will have a throne of glory in this world. The first time He came, men only gave Him a cross of wood. When He comes again to reign, His Father will give Him a throne of glory in this world. When He comes, all the angels will be with Him to serve Him. Yet closer still, He will have His earthly brethren, the restored nation of Israel, the believing Jews associated with Himself. These are the ones who are referred to in this passage. Yet, even closer, we also know from other scriptures that He will have His heavenly brethren, believers today from the Church age, whom He will also associate with Himself (Jn. 20:17; Heb. 2:12) in heavenly glory, on the heavenly side of the Kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).