INTRO: I have titled this message, "Who Are They?" This is resurrection Sunday, and it is a most important day on the Christian calendar. Out text is Matthew 16:28 and it says this: 28 "Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." Do you see a resurrection message in that? Well, I don't either. I have always spoken about Christ's resurrection on this day but something happened this year. Over a month ago we had company and were discussing various things related to the Bible and I was asked about this verse. Somehow my mind latched onto it and it wouldn't let go. As I worked my way through it I began to think it might have enough of resurrection truths in it to qualify for a message on resurrection Sunday. The last time I spoke to you I did some speculation and so I hope you will not find it too much if I do some this morning. Everybody else who has worked on this text has speculated as well. As a matter of fact, you may not agree with some of what I will be sharing this morning but it will cause you to think about some biblical things you may never have given much thought at all. So, by way of introduction let me read this verse and comment briefly. Jesus said : 28 "Assuredly, I say to you, What Jesus is saying is said emphatically; verily, or truly, or beyond all doubt. And then He said, "I say to you." To whom was He speaking? Well, from Mark 8:34 it seems He had called the people to Himself along with the disciples. He is in northern Israel in towns around Caesarea Philippi. |