Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:31

"But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:" — Matthew 25:31 (ASV)

Nowhere in this discourse does Jesus explicitly identify the “Son of Man” with himself. But since this epithet is used in answer to the question “What will be the sign of your coming?” (24:3), the inference is inescapable. There are clear allusions to Zec 14:5; but the role of eschatological Judge is, like many other things , transferred without hesitation from the Lord to Jesus. The Son of Man will come “in his heavenly glory” (cf. 16:27; 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). He sits on his throne, not only as Judge, but as King (see v.34); for all of divine authority is mediated through him (28:18; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 12:2). (On the role of the angels, see 13:41–42; 24:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8; Revelation 14:17–20.)