Listen to the Son

Jesus once said that there were some standing among the twelve disciples who would not taste death until they saw Him coming into His Kingdom. Last week, we left off with that question—what did Jesus mean? All the disciples eventually died. So did they see Jesus come into His Kingdom?

Sometimes, when we approach the Word, we don’t understand everything immediately. But here are some important truths to keep in mind:

1. God is not confused. When Jesus speaks, He speaks truth. God never lies.

2. Jesus is wiser than us. His ways are higher than our ways. Sometimes He says something we don’t understand—not because it isn’t true, but because we aren’t ready to grasp it yet.

3. Context is king. When reading the Bible, understanding the context is key.

4. Scripture interprets Scripture. If a passage is unclear, God usually explains it in another passage.

So, returning to our question: Did Jesus already come in His Kingdom?

Matthew 17:1 says, "Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain." There He was transfigured before them—His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light.

If you look at the parallel passage in Luke 9:28, it says “about eight days later.” Some critics say, “Aha! A contradiction!” But think about it: If today is Sunday, and I say, “Six days from now,” we mean Saturday. In some cultures, like in Colombia, saying “eight days from now” simply means “a week from today.” There’s no contradiction—just different ways of expressing time. God used each writer’s personality and expression style to communicate His truth.

Back to the transfiguration—Jesus changed form before their eyes. He was radiant. His glory, which He shared with the Father before the world began, was revealed.

The disciples—what were they doing during this divine moment? According to Luke 9:32, they were asleep! Just like many of us spiritually—Jesus wants to speak, to transform us, but we’re spiritually asleep.

But when they awoke, they saw His glory. And not just His—Moses and Elijah were there speaking with Him! Moses brought down the law from Mount Sinai, and Elijah was a powerful prophet who was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. Two pillars of the faith—talking with Jesus.

How did they recognize Moses and Elijah? It could be a glimpse into heaven—where we’ll know each other as we are known.

Peter, overwhelmed with emotion, says, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. Let me build three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter, like many of us, speaks before thinking. He wanted to honor all three—but in doing so, he was unintentionally placing Jesus on the same level as the other two.

Sometimes we do the same—we treat Jesus’ words as one opinion among many, rather than as the final authority.

But while Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven interrupted him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Peter didn’t hear what Jesus was talking about because he was too busy thinking about his own ideas. But God the Father points everything back to Jesus: “Listen to Him.”

That’s what God always does—He points to the Son. The Spirit glorifies the Son. The Church exists to glorify the Son. When our eyes drift from Jesus, God, through brothers and sisters in Christ, lovingly brings our focus back.

God was saying, “Peter, stop listening to your own voice. Listen to My Son.”

It’s rare in the Bible for God the Father to interrupt someone mid-sentence. But here He does—because Peter was about to make a serious mistake.

How many times do we wish God would interrupt us before we make a mess of things? Sometimes He does—through a small sign, a friend, or His Word. That interruption is a sign of His love. When He doesn't interrupt, it may be because He’s allowing us to learn from our own consequences—but always with open arms, waiting to receive us.

When the disciples heard the Father’s voice, they fell on their faces, terrified. But Jesus came to them, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”

And when they lifted their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus.

That’s all we need—just Jesus. When your eyes are full of Him, fear disappears.

Peter had just made a mistake. What was he expecting? A harsh rebuke? Punishment? Instead, Jesus brought comfort. That’s grace. That’s the picture of salvation.

When you realize your sin and God’s holiness, you expect judgment. But then you see Jesus—arms open on the cross, saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When Jesus fills your vision, you need nothing else.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the resurrection. They had to understand that what they saw wasn’t just about Jesus shining. It was a message from God: Listen to the Son.

What were Jesus, Moses, and Elijah talking about? Luke 9:31 tells us—they were discussing His departure, the death He would accomplish in Jerusalem. That was the topic—His mission to the cross.

You cannot truly follow Jesus unless you understand that He’s leading you to the cross—daily dying to self.

Peter resisted that idea. When Jesus first predicted His death, Peter said, “Lord, no!” Then in the garden, he tried to fight off the soldiers with a sword. Later, he denied Jesus three times. But after Pentecost, Peter changed. He went to prison and was facing execution—and what was he doing? Sleeping peacefully. He had embraced the reality that death was just the door to life.

If you know Christ, death is nothing to fear. It's just a doorway.

The disciples still had questions. “Why do the scribes say Elijah must come first?” Jesus said, “Elijah will come, and he already has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased.” Then they understood He was talking about John the Baptist.

One day, Elijah will come again as one of the two witnesses before Christ’s second coming. But John came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way the first time.

So let’s go back to the start: Jesus said some standing here won’t taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom. Did He come? Yes—His Kingdom began. And it's still coming.

The Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. And one day, Jesus will return to reign on earth from the throne of David.

Are you ready for His coming?

Peter and John understood. Later, John wrote, “We saw His glory.” Peter said, “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

The door has been opened. Jesus has revealed Himself. If you’ve entered into faith in Christ, your relationship with God has just begun. But to grow, you must be in the Word. Listen to the Son.

How is your spiritual life today? If you’re not doing well, remember: His mercies are new every morning. Open the Word, enjoy it, delight in it. Spend time with God.

Sometimes, like Peter, we have our plans—but God interrupts them for something better. If your plans hit a wall, ask: “Is God doing something greater than I can see?”

He may be using your frustration to bless others, or to grow His Kingdom. If so, trust Him.

Final Prayer: “Father, thank You. Your plans are wiser than ours. You love us. Help us to lift our eyes and see only Jesus. If there’s anyone here who doesn’t yet know Christ, may today be the day of salvation. Help us to always keep our eyes on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”