We must remember that in Matthew 16:28 Jesus told His disciples that there were some standing with Him who would not experience death until they had seen the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. The word kingdom here can also be interpreted royal splendor and is not necessarily a reference to Jesus Christ’s earthly kingdom. Jesus was not saying that He was going to immediately set up His earthly kingdom; however, considering what would follow, Matthew 16:28 is best understood to be referencing what Peter, James, and John would soon experience – the transfiguration. These men accompanied Jesus to a high mountain where Jesus was transfigured, meaning He in some way had a dramatic change in appearance. Verse 2 tells us that His face shined like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and began talking with them. Luke 9:31 reveals that their topic of conversation was Jesus upcoming death. Peter speaks up and volunteers to make three tabernacles – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Peter was no doubt referring to the Feast of Tabernacles where booths were dwelt in for seven days – the feast called to remembrance the 40 years of Israel’s wanderings, but also looks ahead to Israel’s future blessing when they would be gathered together (kingdom). Peter was simply expressing that he wanted this moment to continue. While Peter is speaking, a bright cloud overshadows them and God the Father draws attention to His Son declaring that He is pleased with Jesus and wants the others to listen to Him (17:5). The disciples fell on their faces in fear but Jesus comforts them and tells them to get up. As they get up, only Jesus is there and He commands them to tell no one what they have seen until He is risen from the dead (He was fearful people would try to crown Him king because of this incident). The disciples immediately ask Jesus why the scribes (interpreters of the law) say that Elijah must come before the Messiah. Jesus answers that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist, but the people did not accept his message and eventually killed him. Then, Jesus informs them that He also is about to suffer at the hands of those who also killed John. I’m not sure I can bring much application into this passage except to encourage us all to look forward to that coming kingdom where Jesus will rule in truth and righteousness. He will one day restore things as they should be and all believers will rule with Him in His kingdom.
Dear God, I look forward to Your coming kingdom. Help me not to get frustrated by what I see happening around me, but may I know that You will one day rule in righteousness.
