Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

My understanding of Jesus' comment is that He was referring to Peter, James, and John. He was not saying that they would not die (since all of them did, in fact, die), but He was speaking of the glorified vision of Christ (along with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, as well as the voice of God the Father) that those three apostles would shortly thereafter experience during the Transfiguration of Jesus, as related in Matthew 17:1-8 (as well as in Mark 9:2-13 and Luke 9:28-36). (There is also a reference to it by Peter in 2 Peter 1:16-18.)

August 30 2025 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

My opinion of that verse after reading through the context is the following:

Prior to ascending the mountain, Christ had asked all of his disciples: “Who are men saying that I am?” whereupon Peter replied: “You are the Christ.” At that, Jesus told them that he would die and be resurrected (Mr 8:27-31), though he also promised that some of his disciples would “not taste death at all” until they had first seen “the Son of man coming in his kingdom,” or “the kingdom of God already come in power.” (Mt 16:28; Mr 9:1) 

Can you imagine what the disciples thought? The disciples must wonder what Jesus means. About a week later, he takes three of the apostles​—Peter, James, and John—​with him up to a lofty mountain. It may well be nighttime, for the three men are sleepy. While Jesus is praying, he is transfigured before them. The apostles see his face shine as the sun and see his garments become brilliant as light, glitteringly white.

Can you imagine how strengthening this vision is to Jesus and to the apostles! It is a preview of Christ’s Kingdom glory. Thus the disciples saw “the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom,” as Jesus had promised. (Matthew 16:28) While on the mountain, they were “eyewitnesses of his magnificence.” Though the Pharisees wanted a sign to prove that Jesus was to be God’s chosen King, he would not give them one. But Jesus’ close disciples were allowed to see Jesus’ transfiguration, which confirms Kingdom prophecies. 

And this is why Peter could later write: “We have the prophetic word made more sure.”​—2 Peter 1:16-19.

Conclusion:

When we are reading the Bible, how can we imitate the fine examples of Jesus and his faithful followers? First, we can consider the immediate context of the scripture in question. 

By reading the context of this verse, as well as that of the parallel accounts by Mark and Luke, helps us understand the real meaning of the scripture. 

By doing this we can now understand what Jesus’ coming in Kingdom power was demonstrated in his transfiguration, his appearing in glory in the presence of the three apostles. Peter verifies this understanding by speaking of “the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ” with regard to his witnessing of Jesus’ transfiguration.​—2 Peter 1:16-18.

How strengthening this vision proves to be, both to Jesus and to the disciples! The vision is, as it were, a preview of Christ’s Kingdom glory. The disciples saw, in effect, the “Son of Man coming in his kingdom,” just as Jesus had promised a week earlier.

11 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report