In chapter 9 of Luke’s Gospel account, he continues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”
After explaining the cross work he must accomplish (9:22) and the cross-bearing awaiting those who follow him (9:23-26), Jesus provides hope. “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God” (9:27).
In the middle of a string of inquiries about who Jesus is (Herod, popular opinion, the disciples, and Peter himself) three men are taken to the top of a mountain to get a glimpse of the kingdom and the king. It’s certainly not what they expected with Jesus’ appearance being altered and his talking with two Old Testament leaders (9:28-36).
A glimpse of the kingdom (the transfiguration is a prolepsis) is intended to provide hope, just as a glimpse of the kingdom provided hope to Daniel and Ezekiel. Piercing all the other opinions and perceptions comes the Father’s estimation — “a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’” (9:35).
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Hope is a confident expectation in something (some future event) or someone (some deliverer-rescuer king) or some place (a kingdom paradise) bigger and more sure than our current reality.