A Glimpse of the Kingdom

Luke 9:27 – “But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

At first glance, that verse can sound confusing. What did Jesus mean when He said that some of the people standing there wouldn’t die before seeing the kingdom of God? The answer comes just a few verses later.

A few days after Jesus said that (Luke 9:28-36), He took Peter, James, and John up on a mountain to pray. While He was praying, something incredible happened. His face began to shine like the sun, and His clothes became bright white. Then two men appeared—Moses and Elijah—talking with Him about what was going to happen when He went to Jerusalem.

This event is called the Transfiguration. It was more than a miracle; it was a preview of the kingdom of God. Those three disciples got to see Jesus in His glory—radiant, powerful, and full of divine light. They heard God’s own voice say, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35).

For a moment, heaven touched earth. They didn’t go to heaven, but God allowed them to see a small glimpse of it from where they stood. The kingdom of God isn’t about castles or thrones made by people. It’s about Jesus Himself—the King of Glory—revealing who He truly is.

That moment on the mountain showed that God’s kingdom had already started breaking into the world through Christ. It was a promise that one day, everyone who belongs to Him will see that same glory—not just for a moment, but forever.

Years later, Peter couldn’t forget what he saw on that mountain. He wrote:

2 Peter 1:16–18 – “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased’—and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

 I am an internationally published author. I have written two books: Embracing God’s Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.  

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)