What does Luke 9:27 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In view of the following incident, the Transfiguration, the "some" in this verse appears to refer to some of the disciples, namely, Peter, John , and James (cf. Luke 9:28). The Transfiguration was a preview of the kingdom of God in which three disciples saw Jesus in the glorified state that will be His in the kingdom (cf. 2 Peter 1:16-18). Jesus" reference to tasting death here connects with what He had just implied about the disciples possibly having to die for their testimonies ( Luke 9:23-25). The introductory "but" implied that many disciples would die before they saw the kingdom. Jesus was anticipating His rejection ( Luke 9:22) and the consequent postponement of the messianic kingdom. [source][source]

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Other views of what Jesus meant include His resurrection. However most of the disciples present probably saw Jesus after His resurrection, and that event did not initiate the messianic kingdom. Others believe that Jesus referred to Pentecost. Yet most of the disciples present saw Pentecost, and Pentecost did not begin the kingdom. Another view is that Jesus meant the destruction of Jerusalem, but that event did not initiate the kingdom either. A fourth view is that Jesus meant the disciples would simply live to see the inauguration of the kingdom. Still the messianic kingdom did not begin within the lifetime of any of those disciples. Another view is that the "some" are the people present who believe in Jesus and the others are unbelievers. The problem with this view is that unbelievers are not in view in the context, and the messianic kingdom did not begin during the lifetime of any of those disciples. People who hold these views have to redefine the messianic kingdom to include God"s present rule over His own. This view of the kingdom differs from Old Testament prophecies of it as an earthly reign of Messiah. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Here and also in Luke 9:28 reference is made to the Master's prayers. He was praying alone, before He broke to His friends the death which awaited Him and in which we may have some share; He was praying, too, when the cloud of glory overshadowed Him. Would it not be well to begin this new day with the resolve to pray more! If the Lord needed it, surely we do, whether for the Cross or the Transfiguration Mount.

Into such prayer, petition and intercession must needs enter. But, ah, what prayer that is, which is neither of these, but the opening of our nature to the inflowing of the divine nature, which is Love, when the soul recognizes its oneness with God and the whole universe!

Our Lord asked these questions that He might lead the Apostles to crystallize their own conceptions in Peter's magnificent affirmation. But they who will follow His footsteps must expect His lot! First, the Cross is set up in our heart, and day by day our old self-nature is crucified there; then we have to endure for others the Cross of rejection, shame and death. But it is thus that we gain ourselves and come into possession of our own souls. If we dare take this path, neither here nor hereafter will Christ be ashamed of us. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 9

¹  Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach
⁷  Herod desires to see Jesus
¹⁰  The apostles return
¹²  Jesus feeds five thousand;
¹⁸  inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
²³  proposes to all the pattern of his patience
²⁸  The transfiguration
³⁷  He heals the lunatic;
⁴³  again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
⁴⁶  commends humility;
⁵¹  bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge
⁵⁷  Many would follow him, but upon conditions