In God's Time

Matthew 16:28 says:

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Mark 9:1 says:

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of GOD come with power.

Luke 9:27 says:

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of GOD.

These three verses have the same meaning, but who shall not taste of death or who will taste the bitterness of death. What is meaning of these verses?

Different Christian groups understand these verses differently. 

Jehovah's Witnesses believe those verses refer to Jesus' transfiguration before Peter, James, and John.

Christian theology assigns a great deal of significance to the transfiguration, based on multiple elements of the narrative. In Christian teachings, the Transfiguration is a pivotal moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and earth.[10]

Some Christians believe that the "kingdom of God coming with power" refers to the transfiguration, or the day of Pentecost, both of which could have several living witnesses.

Others however, believe that the kingdom of God coming with power refers to Jesus Christ's second coming, and that the apostle John is the one who will not taste of death until then.

There is another more ominous possibility to the statement in the form of a warning.. “There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” In the context of verses 24-28 which are explicit warnings from Jesus .. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Some people there.. His disciples or followers, will not taste death until the appointed time or experience the reward of life eternal, unless their life is true and honest in the service of the Lord . Jesus is predicting that some of his followers will be pretenders, Will be Pharisees clothed the raiment of the Israelites, in and until the day of judgement but will then taste the bitterness of death, a death of the relationship with Jesus, when they stand before the Son of Man in his holy kingdom. Those who faithfully serve Him will experience life everlasting…. Those that have served in “form only” shall experience the death of their relationship with Christ when he meets them in His kingdom..

We all take to ourselves God’s word based on the knowledge and awareness of Gods purpose that we have at the time.. As He reveals himself to us , often bit by bit, we adjust ourselves according to his word and through our revelations of His word . As we know and understand more we do things differently. God is in control.

Bless our Bible Study and be our strength during these trying times. Let not the work of the evil one touch our lives. Keep safe our family, our friends and all of your children. Extend your hand and guide our leaders. May they govern with wisdom for the good of all. Enlighten those who are trapped in darkness. May they also feel the warmth of your love and peace. Comfort those who suffer. May their suffering not be more than they can bear. Give us understanding to spread the gospel and set an example in this world in a way that would please you.

We ask these things in Jesus’s name..

Amen