SOME SEE THE KINGDOM

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Matthew 16:28-17:8

The next mention of the Kingdom in Matthew is within the same chapter-chapter 16. Here Jesus makes a strong statement concerning some who are standing in front of Him. He says they will not taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.

28 "Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

What does this mean? Who will the "some" be? And, when is the coming of the Son of Man that it can be seen? The next few verses give us the answer: 1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

There you have it. The "some" refers to Peter, James and John who were taken up into the mountain by Jesus. And, the event was what is called the "transfiguration" or the transformation of Jesus from His physical condition into a glorious one where His face shone like the sun, His clothes became white as light and the voice of God affirming Jesus as the Son of God.

The coming of the Son of Man in His glory is the Kingdom. Remember, the Kingdom is wherever the presence of the King is. Jesus pulled back the screen a bit and revealed His God-like presence in front of these three disciples. They indeed saw the Kingdom in Jesus.

NOTE who showed up for this Kingdom display. It was Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets. So, you have a good illustration of the Law and the Prophets standing with Jesus. But it doesn't end like this.

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) disappear and "When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus." This is beautiful! The Law and the Prophets find all of their meaning and fulfillment in the person of Jesus. This is one of the best passages that illustrates the very essence and bottom-line of the Gospels. I hope you see it and never forget it. It's JESUS PLUS NO ONE ELSE-PLUS NOTHING.