What did Jesus mean when He said some of His disciples wouldn't die before seeing Him coming in His kingdom? This puzzling statement from Matthew 16:28 has confused believers for centuries, with many assuming it refers to Christ's Second Coming—creating an apparent contradiction since all the disciples have long since died.
Taking a break from our Galatians series, we tackle this challenging passage head-on, exploring how our preconceived notions about God's kingdom often lead us to misinterpret Jesus' words. The answer lies in understanding what happened just six days later, when Peter, James, and John witnessed the Transfiguration—a moment when Christ's divine glory was unveiled before their eyes, His face shining like the sun and His clothes gleaming white as light.
This mountaintop revelation fulfilled Jesus' promise perfectly. These three disciples literally saw "the Son of Man coming in His kingdom" through this glimpse of Christ's glory. The presence of Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and Prophets) further emphasized Jesus' supreme position, though Peter initially missed this significance when he suggested building three equal tabernacles.
We explore how many Christians today, particularly those with dispensationalist leanings, share the same fundamental misconception as first-century Jews—expecting God's kingdom to arrive with observable pomp and circumstance. Both groups anticipate a future physical kingdom, disagreeing only on timing. But Jesus Himself taught that "the kingdom of God is in your midst" (Luke 17:20-21), challenging us to recognize it as a present reality centered in Christ.
This discussion invites us to reconsider our understanding of God's kingdom as both present and future—already inaugurated through Christ's first coming but awaiting final consummation. How might this perspective transform our reading of other kingdom passages throughout Scripture?
Join our conversation and broaden your understanding of this fascinating theological concept that remains at the heart of Christian faith and practice.
BE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
