Scripture: Matthew 25:31–26:2

When Jesus spoke of His glorious return to judge the nations, He immediately reminded His disciples of His coming crucifixion. The timing is intentional—before the crown comes the cross. Before the glory comes the suffering.

The destinies Jesus described are eternal. Heaven will be an endless day without night—perfect rest after warfare, perfect joy after sorrow, and perfect fellowship with Christ after a lifetime of faith. Hell will be an endless night without dawn—unceasing pain, unrelieved guilt, and the haunting memory of grace rejected.

These sobering realities show us both the weight of sin and the wonder of salvation. Yet in the same breath, Jesus turned our eyes to the cross—the place where He would bear judgment in our place. The King of glory became the Lamb of God.

The cross stands at the center of all history and hope. Without it, the gospel has no foundation, and the promise of Christ’s return has no joy. We look for His coming with longing hearts, but we do so with deep gratitude for the price He paid to make that day one of celebration, not condemnation.

Reflection Questions

Why do you think Jesus spoke of His death immediately after describing His return in glory?

How does remembering the cross shape the way you anticipate Christ’s second coming?

What aspect of Christ’s eternal kingdom fills you with the most hope today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that before You wore the crown, You bore the cross. Thank You for taking the judgment I deserved so I might share in Your eternal joy. Help me to live today in light of both Your finished work and Your coming glory. Amen.

• Adapted from J.C. Ryle’s, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.