In Matthew 16:27, Jesus predicts his return (see also Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64) with the glory of his Father (Daniel 7:14). Then he will repay
—that is, judge—each person by their deeds (Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12), which are the actions spoken of in Matthew 16:24–26: giving up all to follow Christ.
As in Matthew 16:13, Jesus calls himself the Son of Man, who, being misunderstood by people (Matthew 16:13–14), must still suffer more (Matthew 16:20–21), but who will return in a way that will show to all that he is acknowledged by heaven, so it is a matter of life and death how one positions oneself in relation to Christ’s suffering. One’s approach to the Son of Man (faith or rejection) will determine entry or non-entry into the kingdom, for it is Jesus himself who, as Judge, says who enters.
Here in Matthew 16:27, Jesus for the first time predicts his return in glory. Once Jesus returns (see also Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64) he will do so with the glory of his Father (Daniel 7:14). Then he will repay
—that is, judge—each and every person according to their deeds (Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12). The deeds referred to here are the actions spoken of in Matthew 16:24–26: namely, giving up everything to follow Christ.1
As in Matthew 16:13, Jesus here identifies as the Son of Man, who has indeed been misunderstood by people (Matthew 16:13–14) and who must still suffer further (Matthew 16:20–21), but who will eventually return in a manner that will reveal to all without exception that he is acknowledged by heaven. God will adorn him with his glory, and all the angels will reveal themselves as his servants. While it does not yet look like that at the time when Jesus first proclaims it in Caesarea Philippi, it will become reality following his suffering and resurrection. Therefore, it is a matter of life and death how one positions oneself in relation to the suffering of Christ. The decision makes the difference between death and life. One’s attitude and conduct towards the Son of Man (faith or rejection) will ultimately determine entry or non-entry into the kingdom of heaven, for it is none other than Jesus himself who, as Judge, determines who enters.2
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.