Matthew 16:28
This verse has been a cause of confusion. There are three possible meanings. However, one is preferable. The first possible meaning is that Jesus is referring to the fact that many, if not all, of those then standing before him, would see his ascension and the consequent coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They would, thus, see his coming in power to establish the church in this world. They would see the great growth of it. This possible interpretation is quite weak in that it does not seem to fulfill our Lord’s words literally enough.
The second possibility is that he was referring only to John. John did live to see, by way of a vision on the isle of Patmos, the coming of the Lord in the future. The book of Revelation is an account of this. However, though this seems to fit Jesus’ words, it cannot be right because Jesus says what he says in the plural. In other words, it has to be more than one person to fit with what he said.
The final interpretation is what is most commonly assumed, and it seems the best way to look at it. This is that Jesus is referring to his transfiguration which three of the disciples would be witnesses to not many days following. This interpretation is strengthened quite a bit by the fact that this transfiguration is recorded next in the gospel narrative. It is also recorded in Mark and Luke. Thus, it is best to understand it as the fulfillment of Jesus’ words here.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 48:1-51:23
Scripture Memory: 1 John 4:12 “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day to serve You. You are so amazingly good to us. You have given us all that we need to serve You, and yet we still fail sometimes. Oh Father, You are worthy of our service! You are worthy of our very lives! You can take all that we are and make us so much more. You made us, and You can mold us into something beautiful through Your Son. Thank You for salvation! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a family that just lost a loved one. Pray for a woman who is homebound. Pray for a woman’s two silent requests.
Journal Entry #13321