Kingdom Events
Matthew 16:28 “I tell
you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see
the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
MANY of Jesus’ detractors who refuse to believe the Bible
look at these words and say, “Jesus was wrong. All the people hearing his voice
that day have died, and he has not returned.” Thus, they point out that if
Jesus was wrong here, one cannot trust his other teachings.
Here a great
reason to know the truth. Perhaps you have wondered about Jesus’ words. I
certainly have, and it has been a freeing thing to learn more of the language
and the meaning based on the original Greek text. What I have learned is this:
First, Jesus said,
“I tell you the truth.” He underscores the teaching with the truth of Heaven.
Second, Jesus is
referring to a series of Kingdom events that will take place within the
lifetimes of many of the men before him. For example, we’ll see soon that he
will go to the mount to be transfigured into the fullness of his glory. That is
a Kingdom event. The Son of Man – Jesus – in effect comes for a brief time
before Peter, James and John.
Another Kingdom
event is Jesus’ resurrection. Certainly that is the Son of Man coming to life
in glory. A third Kingdom event is the Son coming through the Spirit at
Pentecost. The Spirit empowers the disciples to preach and begin the church. Also,
Jesus came in power to rule through that means. A fourth demonstration of the
Son of Man coming in glory is Jesus magnificent work through the Spirit to heal
bodies and save souls. These Kingdom healings over death will continue until the
Son of Man comes to establish the new heaven and earth.
LIFE Link: Live in the truth of Jesus coming to you.
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