What does Matthew 24:30 mean?

The moment of Christ's end-times return to earth will not be subtle, in any sense of the word. In this passage, He is reassuring His followers they need not worry they will miss it somehow. It will be obvious to everyone on earth (Matthew 24:23–29).

This sign is only vaguely described in the text, but will be extremely obvious to those who see it. "The sign of the Son of Man" can be interpreted in several ways. Jesus often used the prophetic title "Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13) in reference to Himself (Matthew 9:6; 16:27; 20:18). Some scholars believe this sign might simply be the appearance of Jesus. Others read it to mean some heavenly banner or standard which will be unfurled and viewable to all as Christ's symbol in the sky.

How will the world respond to this? Jesus says every nation of the world will mourn. To "mourn" implies grief and regret, but not necessarily repentance. It's possible some who have survived the tribulation to that point will "mourn" in honest repentance. The vast majority, however, will not (Revelation 9:20–21).

In some way, shape, or form, everyone on earth will see Jesus, the Son of Man, coming down to earth on the clouds of heaven with power and glory. Some commentators suggest these clouds are made up of the host of heaven's angels, mentioned in the next verse. Others believes these clouds to contain somehow the power and glory of God the Father mentioned here.

Whatever aspect this all takes, it will be unmissable, unmistakable, and a clear cause for the people of earth to begin mourning now that the end of the age has arrived.