24 Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

Matthew 16:24-28 - World English Bible

In Matthew 16:16, Simon Peter identified Jesus as the Christ. In these verses, the Lord responded in two ways, defining the role of the disciple and the immanence of the Second Coming.

Who was the disciple? For Jesus, the disciple imitated the Master. As he would go to Jerusalem to face the cross, so would the follower. The disciple would pick up his cross and lose his life for a greater life. After all, what does this life offer beyond temporal pleasure and pain? Besides, very soon, the Son of Man would come in the glory of the Father to judge everyone. According to 16:28, some would survive to see the end of time; this verse has vexed many scholars, conservatives reinterpreting it for modern times, liberals dismissing it outright. It is best to place 16:28 in context; life as a disciple, with its temporary suffering, would not find its reward delayed. Indeed, even in this life, following Jesus has many moments of grace.

How has the Lord rewarded you for your faithfulness?