Context is key. Drawing from the three Gospels that record this saying (Matthew 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27), Jesus
instructs His disciples that 1) the kingdom of God is near; 2) He is the promised Messiah; 3) He must die and be
raised again; 4) His disciples must take up their cross and follow Him; and then 5) some present there will see the
kingdom come in power before they die. Following this, all three Gospels feature the Transfiguration, witnessed by
Peter, James, and John, about a week later.
The Transfiguration context of Jesus revealed in kingdom glory provides the most common interpretation of
Matthew 16:28. Other major interpretations point to the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Acts 1:6-11) and the
outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (2:1-4).
In the warning that follows the Transfiguration, Jesus gives a hint about what He meant by this saying and how
the key events above are connected: “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead”
(Matthew 17:9). Jesus’ momentary transfiguration was a visionary foretaste of the glory to be revealed in His
resurrection. And His resurrection would be the beginning, or firstfruit, of the fullness of His kingdom still to come (1
Corinthians 15:20-28).
Jesus’ first and second comings are connected. This is most clearly seen in what Jesus says to the Eleven in
Galilee between His resurrection and ascension: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”
(Matthew 28:18).
That declaration fulfills the prophecies of Daniel 2 and 7: “the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands,”
subduing all governments; and “The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure” (2:45). In his vision (chapter 7),
Daniel sees the revelation of the governments of earth from his time to eternity. He also sees the Son of Man
coming to the Ancient of Days and receiving “dominion and glory and a kingdom” (vv. 13, 14) during the time of
those kings, just like the image of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Unlike those earthly kings, Jesus’ kingdom will endure
forever. From Daniel, we realize that Jesus’ kingdom coming has a first and second stage, a beginning and an end.
Jesus’ promise that some standing there with Him would see His kingdom coming was fulfilled when His eleven
disciples saw its beginning at His resurrection when He defeated sin, death, and Satan. This unites the most
common interpretations of Matthew 16:28 as Jesus comes in kingdom rule within the lifetime of His disciples. His
transfiguration was a first glimpse. His resurrection revealed its full glory, and His ascension into heaven and
outpouring of the Spirit validated His kingdom power and authority.
The beginning of Jesus’ glorious kingdom rule was established at His resurrection. It continued in the work of the
apostles as the early church was given His kingdom power and authority to make disciples of all nations (2
Corinthians 5:14 — 6:10). It continues to this day as lives are miraculously changed through the gospel message.
And it will continue until it climaxes in Christ’s second coming when His kingdom fills the earth. That final kingdom
coming began at Jesus’ resurrection, and His disciples witnessed it, just as He said they would.

— Elder Chip Hinds