Jesus was not wrong when He told the disciples that some of them would not taste death until they see the kingdom of God—He was pointing to the transfiguration. God’s promises are real, His kingdom is certain, and glimpses of Christ’s majesty strengthen our hope as we wait for its full revelation.
Jesus was not wrong when He told the disciples that some would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God. The context of Luke 9:27, along with its parallels in Matthew 16:28 and Mark 9:1, points directly to the transfiguration, which occurs immediately after His statement. During this event, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus in His full splendor, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, giving them a tangible glimpse of His royal majesty and the glory of God’s kingdom. The Greek word for “kingdom” can also mean “royal splendor,” showing that the disciples experienced a foretaste of Christ’s glory prior to His resurrection and eventual second coming. While some interpretations suggest Jesus might have been referring to His death and resurrection, the immediate narrative and the phrasing “some standing here” strongly support the transfiguration as the fulfillment. This verse does not refer to Christ’s second coming at the end of the age, since all the disciples eventually died and that event remains in the future. Today, just as the disciples were strengthened by seeing a preview of Christ’s majesty, we can find assurance in Scripture, the Spirit, and transformed lives that God’s promises are certain, His kingdom is real, and living faithfully for Him is worth our hope and trust.
When Jesus said that some would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God, He was not wrong. The context of Luke 9:27 (and its parallels in Matthew and Mark) points to the transfiguration, which follows immediately after. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus in His royal splendor with Moses and Elijah, a foretaste of the kingdom. The Greek word for "kingdom" can also refer to “royal majesty” or “splendor,” showing that the disciples saw a preview of Christ’s glory before His resurrection and second coming. This moment assured them—and us—that God’s promises are certain and His kingdom is real, even if not yet fully revealed.
While this is the most likely interpretation, other views have been suggested. One other possibility includes viewing the "kingdom of God" as a reference to Jesus' death and resurrection. Those who hold this view see the resurrection as a more likely fulfillment that also fits the context of the disciples experiencing the kingdom of God before their death. However, the immediate following context as well as the use of "some standing here" prepare the reader for the transfiguration account to follow, making the transfiguration the more likely reference. This verse is not referring to Jesus’ second coming at the end of the age, since all of the disciples eventually died and that event is still future.
We, too, live in the tension of waiting for the full arrival of God’s kingdom. Still, glimpses of Christ’s glory—through Scripture, the Spirit, and changed lives—give us confidence and assurance that He is good and that living for Him is worth it. Just as the disciples were strengthened by seeing a preview of Christ’s majesty, we are called to live with hope and confidence that the glory of His kingdom will one day be revealed in full.