“Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28 ESV).
Matthew recorded Jesus’ startling declaration to His followers that some would not “taste death” before seeing His kingdom. Writing primarily to a Jewish audience, the author immediately clarified this difficult saying by linking it to the Transfiguration in the very next verse. By including the specific chronological marker “after six days” (Matt. 17:1). Matthew provided a direct bridge between the promise and the event on the mountain. He then described the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus’ face shine like the sun and His clothes become white as light. Matthew showed that this event fulfilled Jesus’ promise. Only “some” of those standing there, three disciples, were chosen to go up the mountain. There they witnessed the Son of Man coming in His “kingdom” (basileia), which might also be translated, “His royal majesty” or “royal power.” This was not the Second Coming itself, but a preview of it. Peter later confirmed this understanding, writing that he had been an eyewitness of Christ’s “majesty” on the holy mountain, connecting it to “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:16–18). Matthew presented the Transfiguration as a visual guarantee of the glory that would follow suffering.
We, too, live between promise and fulfillment. When trials press in and doubts come, we remember that Jesus has already given us a glimpse of the end of the story. Just as the three disciples saw His unveiled glory before the cross, we see His glory through the gospel promises and the testimony of Scripture. This strengthens us to endure hardship with hope. We hold fast because the suffering of this present time does not compare with the glory which is to come. We keep trusting, keep following, and keep worshiping, because we have been given a glimpse of Christ’s glory.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for assuring our hearts with the promise of Christ’s coming glory. When we grow weary or discouraged, remind us that Jesus truly is our glorious King. Help us endure suffering with faith, knowing that splendor lies ahead. Fix our eyes on Christ and steady our hearts with hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.