What Jesus Did! 'The Coming King' — Matthew 25:31-32

Thursday, November 20, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
— Matthew 25:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

This passage envisions the day when Jesus' disciples have taken the Good News to all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20, 24:14), and he returns to judge the world. He will come in great glory! He will reign on his throne, and everyone will acknowledge him as Lord and King. Jesus himself will judge everyone just like a shepherd does at the end of the day: The sheep get favorable treatment over the goats.

For me, the essential things to hang onto in this passage are the promise of Jesus' victory and his followers shared victory with him. He will come in glory, and they will share in his glory! Jesus is coming. He is coming in power. He is coming to rule and to judge. He will be declared and worshiped as King. Am I living with him as my King right now?

Today's Prayer

O Father, I confess that I am less than you want me to be. But Father, my heart yearns for Jesus' return in glory and power. I trust his sacrifice to save me. Out of gratitude for this salvation, please help to always serve his brothers and sisters he bought with his blood. Please forgive me and give me unshakable assurance that I will be with him in glory. In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12
  • Matthew 16:27-28
  • Matthew 19:28-30

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 25:31-32 NLT — "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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