The Son of Man Riding on the Clouds

“Are you the Christ, the son of the Blessed One?” This question from the High Priest as he examined Jesus elicited a stunning answer. “I am, and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62.

We might miss it, but the High Priest understood the implications of the words of Jesus. With this one sentence Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the King of the Jews, the victorious warrior and coming judge of all mankind. The High Priest responded by tearing his garments, declaring they had no further need of witnesses. The trial was over. It was an open-and-shut case. Clearly, Jesus had just committed the crime of blasphemy by making this outrageous claim.

But exactly what did Jesus claim?

“I am.” Remember we recently saw this same identity revealed in Gethsemane. In Greek, “Ego eimi”. Eimi means I exist, I am, I have been, I was, I will be. He claimed to be eternal and therefore, divine.

“You shall see the Son of Man…” I used to think that when Jesus called Himself the Son of Man this was a very humble way for Jesus to think of Himself — that even though He was God He deeply identified with mankind. And that is true, but this name holds much more significance. It is a direct reference to a passage in Daniel where we see the Son of Man described.

“I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a son of man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.  And to Him was given dominion, honor, and a kingdom, So that the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages
Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14.

Do you hear what Jesus told the High Priest? He basically said, “Not only am I the Messiah, eternal God, but I am the Son of Man who is described in Daniel. Some day the Ancient of Days will give Me dominion and honor and a kingdom over the whole earth. All peoples and nations will serve me. Forever.

“You will see me sitting at the right hand of Power.” Here Jesus took the High Priest back to Psalm 110, a psalm that describes the Messiah as seated at the right hand of the Father. This is a picture of His authority and majesty as He awaits the time for Him to rule over His enemies. He is waiting for the right moment to come back to earth to rule, reign and judge the nations.

“Coming with the clouds of heaven.” The High Priest knew the verses in the Old Testament that teach the Messiah will come back riding the clouds, surrounded by glory. Here are a few of those verses,

“There is none like the God of Jeshurun,(Israel) who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27.

“Exalt the one who rides on the clouds! For the Lord is his name! Rejoice before Him.” Psalm 68:4.

“To Him who rides upon the highest heavens which are from ancient times. Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice, ascribe strength to God, His Majesty is over Israel and His strength is in the skies.” Psalm 68:32-34

Behold the Lord is riding on a swift cloud…” Isaiah 19:1.

Jesus, in the midst of a sham trial that yielded an unjust verdict, pulled back the curtain and revealed to the High Priest His identity. He is, He was and will be. He is the Son of Man of Daniel who will receive the right to rule the world and bring peace and justice. He has all authority and majesty as He sits at the right hand of God. He is the Messiah who will return to earth on the clouds. As He spoke these words He did not commit blasphemy. He told the truth.

As you approach Holy Week and behold Jesus in the Gospel readings of His trials, don’t be distracted by the travesty of justice and his scourging, mocking and beatings. Don’t forget who He is. Some day, maybe within your lifetime, you might live to see His return. “Behold, He comes riding on the clouds, and every eye will see Him even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:8. This hope will not disappoint.

Dear Lord Jesus,
We thank you that even though you despised the shame of the cross you went willingly through all the insults, indignities and malignment. Your love for us was on display. Thank you that your death on the cross is not the end of the story. Thank you for the victory you won over sin. Thank you that you are coming back to rule and reign in righteousness. In these unsettled times, thank you that we know the rest of the story.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen