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No contradiction! Meaning of Matthew 16 : 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.”

The passage in Matthew 16:28 has sparked various interpretations among scholars and believers. One popular interpretation suggests that Jesus was referring to his second coming, the glorious event when he will return to Earth in power and establish his physical kingdom. According to this view, Jesus was implying that some of the people standing before him would still be alive to witness his triumphant return.

However, upon closer examination, this interpretation proves problematic. Since Jesus spoke those words, he has not yet returned, and all the individuals present at that time have passed away. Therefore, if the verse were referring to his second coming, it would imply that Jesus made a false statement or that his return has been significantly delayed.

Another interpretation proposes that Jesus was alluding to his transfiguration, an event that occurred shortly after his statement. The transfiguration was a moment when Jesus manifested his divine glory before a select group of disciples, Peter, James, and John. This interpretation suggests that these disciples were the ones who “saw the Son of Man coming in his kingdom,” as they witnessed Jesus in his glorified state.

However, this interpretation lacks solid biblical evidence to support its claim. There is no explicit connection between the statement Jesus made in Matthew 16:28 and the subsequent transfiguration event. The purpose of the transfiguration was to reveal Jesus’ divine nature and his authority surpassing that of the law and the prophets, as symbolized by the presence of Moses and Elijah. It was not necessarily linked to the fulfillment of the specific prophecy mentioned in Matthew 16:28.

To truly comprehend the intended meaning of this verse, it is crucial to delve into the significance of the phrase “see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” In this context, the phrase does not denote a literal visual observation of Jesus physically establishing his kingdom on Earth. Rather, it signifies a spiritual realization or understanding that Jesus has commenced his reign as the ultimate King of kings and Lord of lords.

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It is important to note that Jesus has always held the position of King, even before his birth. However, his official reign, with all its redemptive implications, was divinely ordained to commence after his sacrificial work of salvation was accomplished. Thus, the statement in Matthew 16:28 can be understood as an invitation to recognize the spiritual reality of Jesus’ reign and to embrace him as the rightful ruler.

This explanation aligns with two key reasons. First, Jesus himself emphasized that the kingdom of God is not something that can be physically observed at present. He declared that his kingdom is not of this world, indicating its spiritual nature. Rather than seeking tangible signs of his earthly rule, Jesus encourages people to seek a deeper understanding of the spiritual kingdom he inaugurated.

Second, the individuals whom Jesus addressed in the verse have all passed away, and the physical manifestation of God’s kingdom is yet to be realized. Therefore, interpreting the verse as a prophecy of a visible, earthly kingdom fails to account for the absence of its fulfillment in the lifetimes of those present.

In conclusion, Matthew 16:28 conveys a profound spiritual message, inviting individuals to recognize and acknowledge that Jesus Christ has initiated his reign as the ultimate authority. While Jesus had always possessed this role, his official reign, in its redemptive sense, commenced after the completion of his salvific mission. The verse serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God operates on a spiritual level, inviting believers to embrace Jesus as their King and Lord, even as they await the future culmination of his reign in a visible and tangible form.

ADDITIONAL READING

No contradiction! Matthew 10 : 23 explained. “Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

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