“Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means
pass away until all these things happen.” (Mt 24:34)
If you scan the “This Generation” category on this site, you’ll see various attempts by myself and Apollos to come to terms with the meaning of Matthew 24:34. These were sincere attempts to try to reconcile our understanding of the scope of this verse with the rest of Scripture and the facts of history. Looking back on my own attempts, I realize that I was still working under the influence of my life-long JW mindset. I was imposing a premise on the passage that was not found in Scripture and then reasoning from that basis. I confess that I was never really comfortable with those explanations, though at the time I couldn’t put my finger on why that was so. It is now clear to me that I wasn’t letting the Bible do the talking.
Does this Scripture offer Christians a means by which to calculate how close we are to the end? It might seem so at first glance. All that is needed is to understand the approximate length of a generation and then to fix a starting point. After that, it’s just simple math.
Over the years, many millions of Christians have been misled by their leaders to fixate on possible dates for Christ’s return, only to wind up disillusioned and discouraged. Many have even turned away from God and Christ due to such failed expectations. Truly, “expectation postponed is making the heart sick.” (Pr 13:12)
Rather than depend on others for an understanding of Jesus’ words, why not accept the help he promised us at John 16:7, 13? God’s spirit is powerful and can guide us into all the truth.
A word of warning, however. Holy spirit guides us; it does not force us. We must welcome it and create an environment where it can do its work. So pride and hubris must be eliminated. Likewise, personal agendas, bias, prejudice, and preconceptions. Humility, an open mind, and a heart willing to change are crucial to its operation. We must always remember that the Bible instructs us. We do not instruct it.
An Expository Approach
If we are going to have any chance of correctly understanding what Jesus meant by “all these things” and “this generation” will have to learn how to see things through his eyes. We will also have to try to understand the mindset of his disciples. We will need to put his words into their historical context. You will need to harmonize everything with the rest of Scripture.
Our first step should be to read from the beginning of the account. This will take us to Matthew chapter 21. There we read of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem seated on a colt just days before he was to die. Matthew relates:
“This actually took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, who said: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion: ‘Look! Your king is coming to you, mild-tempered and mounted on a donkey, yes, on a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.’”” (Mt 21:4, 5)
From this and the way Jesus was subsequently treated by the crowds, it is evident that the people believed that their king, their liberator, had finally arrived. Jesus next enters the temple and throws out the money changers. Boys are running around crying, “Save us, Son of David.” The expectation of the people was that the Messiah was to be king and sit on David’s throne to rule Israel, freeing it from the rule of gentile nations. The religious leaders are indignant by the idea that the people hold Jesus to be this Messiah.
The next day, Jesus returns to the temple and is challenged by the chief priests and elders whom he both defeats and rebukes. He then gives them the parable of the landowner who rented out his land to cultivators who tried to steal it by killing his son. Terrible destruction comes upon them as a consequence. This parable is about to become a reality.
In Matthew 22 he gives a related parable about a marriage feast which the King puts on for son. Messenger are sent out with invitations, but evil men kill them. In retaliation, the King’s armies dispatch the murderers and destroy their city. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes know these parables are about them. Incensed, they plot to trap Jesus in word so as to gain a pretext to condemn him, but the Son of God again confounds them and defeats their pathetic attempts. All this happens while Jesus continues preaching in the temple.
In Matthew 23, still in the temple and knowing his time is short, Jesus lets loose a tirade of condemnation on these leaders, repeatedly calling them hypocrites and blind guides; likening them to whitewashed graves and snakes. After 32 verses of this, he concludes by saying:
“Serpents, offspring of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of Ge·henʹna? 34 For this reason, I am sending to you prophets and wise men and public instructors. Some of them you will kill and execute on stakes, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 so that there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zech·a·riʹah son of Bar·a·chiʹah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.” (Mt 23:33-36 NWT)
For two days now, Jesus has been in the temple talking condemnation, death, and destruction upon the wicked generation that is about to kill him. But why also make them responsible for the death of all the righteous blood spilled since Abel? Abel was the first religious martyr. He worshiped God in an approved way and was killed for it by his jealous older brother who wanted to worship God in his own way. This is a familiar story; one these religious leaders are about to repeat, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.”” (Ge 3:15)
By killing Jesus, the religious rulers that form the governing body over the Jewish system of things will become the seed of Satan that strikes the seed of the woman in the heel. (John 8:44) Because of this, they will be held accountable for all the religious persecution of righteous men from the beginning. What is more, these men will not stop with Jesus, but will continue to persecute those the resurrected Lord sends to them.
Jesus foretells not only their destruction but that of the entire city. This is not the first time this has happened, but this tribulation will be far worse. This time the entire nation of Israel will be abandoned; rejected as God’s chosen people.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her—how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. 38 Look! Your house is abandoned to you.” (Mt 23:37, 38)
Thus, the age of the Jewish nation will end. Its particular system of things as God’s chosen people will have reached its conclusion and will be no more.
A Quick Review
In Matthew 23:36, Jesus speaks of “all these things” which will come upon “this generation.” Going no further, looking only at the context, what generation would you suggest he is speaking of? The answer would seem obvious. It must be the generation upon which all these things, this destruction, is about to come.
Leaving the Temple
Since arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus’ message has changed. He is no longer speaking of peace and reconciliation with God. His words are full of denunciation and retribution, death and destruction. For a people who are very proud of their ancient city with its magnificent temple, who feel their form of worship is the only one approved by God, such words must be very disturbing. Perhaps in reaction to all this talk, upon leaving the temple, Christ’s disciples start talking up the beauty of the temple. This talk causes our Lord to say the following:
“As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him: “Teacher, see! what wonderful stones and buildings!” 2 However, Jesus said to him: “Do you see these great buildings? By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”” (Mr 13:1, 2)
“Later, when some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with fine stones and dedicated things, 6 he said: “As for these things that you now see, the days will come when not a stone will be left upon a stone and not be thrown down.”” (Lu 21:5, 6)
“Now as Jesus was departing from the temple, his disciples approached to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 In response he said to them: “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, by no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”” (Mt 24:1, 2)
“These great buildings”, “these things”, “all these things.” These words originate with Jesus, not his disciples!
If we ignore the context and restrict ourselves only to Matthew 24:34, we might be led to believe that the phrase “all these things” refers to the signs and occurrences Jesus spoke of at Matthew 24:4 thru 31. Some of those things occurred shortly after Jesus died, while others have yet to occur, so drawing such a conclusion would force us to explain how a single generation could encompass a 2,000-year-long span of time.[i] When something doesn’t harmonize with the rest of Scripture nor the facts of history, we should see it as a big a red flag to alert us we may be falling prey to eisegesis: imposing our view on Scripture, rather than letting Scripture instruct us.
So let us look again at the context. The first time Jesus uses these two phrases together – “all these things” and “this generation” – is in Matthew 23:36. Then, shortly thereafter, he again uses the phrase “all these things” (tauta panta) to refer to the temple. The two phrases are closely connected by Jesus. Further, this and these are words used to denote objects, things or conditions that are present before all onlookers. “This generation” must therefore refer to a generation then present, not one 2,000 years in the future. “All these things” would likewise refer to things he’s just spoken of, things present before them, things pertaining to “this generation.”
What about the things mentioned at Matthew 24:3-31? Are they also included?
Before we answer that, we have to again look at the historical context and what gave rise to Christ’s prophetic words.
The Multipart Question
After departing the temple, Jesus and his disciples made their way to the Mount of Olives from which they could view all of Jerusalem including its magnificent temple. Undoubtedly, the disciples must have been disturbed by Jesus’ words that all the things they could see from the Mount of Olives were soon to be destroyed. How would you feel if the place of worship you had revered all your life as God’s own house was going to be utterly obliterated? At the very least, you would want to know when it was all going to happen.
“While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, (A) when will these things be, and (B) what will be the sign of your presence and (C) of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Mt 24:3)
“Tell us, (A) when will these things be, and (C) what will be the sign when all these things are to come to a conclusion?” (Mr 13:4)
“Then they questioned him, saying: “Teacher, (A) when will these things actually be, and (C) what will be the sign when these things are to occur?” (Lu 21:7)
Notice that only Matthew breaks the question into three parts. The other two writers do not. Did they feel the question about Christ’s presence (B) wasn’t important? Not likely. Then why not mention it? Also worthy of note is the fact that all three gospel accounts were written before the fulfillment of Matthew 24:15-22, i.e., before Jerusalem was destroyed. Those writers did not yet know that all three parts of the question were not to have a concurrent fulfillment. As we consider the rest of the account, it is critical that we remember that point; that we see things through their eyes and understand where they were coming from.
“When will these things be?”
All three accounts include these words. Obviously, they are referring to the “things” Jesus had just spoken of: The death of the blood guilty wicked generation, the destruction of Jerusalem and of the temple. To this point, nothing else had been mentioned by Jesus, so there is no reason to assume they were thinking of anything else when they asked their question.
“What will be the sign…of the conclusion of the system of things?”
This rendering of the third part of the question comes from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Most Bible translations render this literally as “the end of the age.” The end of what age? Were the disciples asking about the end of the world of mankind? Again, rather than speculate, let us allow the Bible to speak to us:
“…when all these things are to come to a conclusion?”” (Mr 13:4)
“…what will be the sign when these things are to occur?” (Lu 21:7)
Both accounts refer again to “these things”. Jesus had only referred to the destruction of the generation, the city, the temple, and the final abandonment of the nation by God. Therefore, the only age on the mind of his disciples would have been the age or era of the Jewish system of things. That age began with the formation of the nation in 1513 B.C.E. when Jehovah made a covenant with them through his prophet, Moses. That covenant ended in 36 C.E. (Da 9:27) However, like a badly timed car engine that keeps running on after it has been shut down, the nation continued until Jehovah’s appointed time to use the Roman armies to destroy the city and obliterate the nation, fulfilling the words of his Son. (2Co 3:14; He 8:13)
So when Jesus answers the question, we can rightly expect him to tell his disciples when or by what signs the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the leadership – “all these things” – would come.
“This generation”, the wicked generation then present, would experience “all these things.”
“This Generation” Identified
Before we muddy the waters by trying to factor in doctrinal interpretations concerning the prophecies of Matthew chapter 24, let us agree on this: It was Jesus, not the disciples, who first introduced the notion of a generation experiencing “all these things”. He spoke of death, punishment, and destruction and then said at Matthew 23:36, “Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”
Later the same day, he again talked about destruction, this time specifically regarding the temple, when he said at Matthew 24:2, “Do you not see all these things. Truly I say to you, by no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”
Both declarations are prefaced by the phrase, “Truly I say to you…” He is both emphasizing his words and offering his disciples a reassurance. If Jesus says that “truly” something is going to happen, then you can take that to the bank.
So at Matthew 24:34 when he again says, “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen,” he’s giving his Jewish disciples yet another reassurance that the unthinkable is really going to happen. Their nation is going to be abandoned by God, their precious temple with its holy of holies where the very presence of God is said to exist, will be obliterated. To further bolster the faith that these words will come true, he adds, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.” (Mt. 24:35)
Why would anyone look at all this contextual evidence and conclude, “Aha! He’s talking about our day! He was telling his disciples that a generation that wouldn’t make its appearance for two whole millennia is the one that will see ‘all these things’”
And yet, it really shouldn’t surprise us that this is exactly what has happened. Why not? Because as part of this prophecy in Matthew 24 Jesus foretold this eventuality.
In part, this is a result of a misunderstanding the first century disciples had. However, we cannot put the blame on them. Jesus gave us all we needed to avoid the confusion; to keep us from running off on self-indulgent interpretational tangents.
To Be Continued
To this point we’ve established which generation Jesus was referring to at Matthew 24:34. His words were fulfilled in the first century. They did not fail.
Is there room for a secondary fulfillment, one that takes place during the last days of the global system of things which concludes with the return of Christ as the Messianic King?
Explaining how the prophecies of Matthew chapter 24 harmonize with all the foregoing is the subject of the next article: “This Generation – A Modern Day Fulfillment?”
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[i] Some preterists hold that everything described from Matthew 24:4 thru 31 took place during the first century. Such a view attempts to explain the appearance of Jesus in the clouds metaphorically, while explaining the gathering of the chosen ones by the Angels as a progress of evangelization by the Christian congregation. For more information on preterist thinking see this comment by Vox Ratio.
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70 Comments on "“This Generation” – A Fresh Look"
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““all Israel” of course would refer to a remnant”
Or it could actually refer to exactly what it says it refers to: “all Israel”
Not if you compare it with rest of scripture.
I make the case that Abraham’s earthly seed “will fill the earth” which is the whole of redeemable mankind. Also that the Apostle gives the thought of stars of the heaven as an undefined number just as the sand of the shore is undefined in number. And that stars are arranged and have an order, therefore the number 144,000 seems to emphasize this symbolic notion.
Sorry, Skye, but I just don’t see it from what you’ve quoted above. It seems like interpretation based on assumptions.
Understandable. As we know JWs have not done a diligent study of the OT, and much of which they have seriously interpreted incorrectly as a result. Perhaps the above scriptures will help in giving people a start in their further studies.
Why would it mean remnant if it read all Israel? If the first was meant, why did the writer not use that word? It is not a difficult word…..
Hi Menrov, It could not be referring to every literal Jew of course. But rather a “collective” remnant of Jews that would make up “national Israel” and so then it could be said that “all Israel will be saved.”
Hi Skye, ok, I see what you mean. 🙂
Meleti, the difference that you and I appear to have is our understanding of the meaning in scripture of the term “generation” according to Jesus words. My understanding is that “genea”, in harmony with scripture, can “also” have the sense of “age” or “indefinite period of time.” As we know in order to come to an accurate understanding of Jesus words at Matthew, Mark and Luke etc. we have to take into account OT prophecies as Jesus did.
Hi Skye,
I’m not aware of any OT prophecies that impact on Jesus’ words at Mt 23:36 and 24:34. If you like, you could open a topic in http://www.discussthetruth.com to expound on your understanding more fully. It’s entirely up to you, of course. I respect your point of view.
Meleti
Hi Menrov.
I think the renewed emphasis on the generation is to try to bolster a flagging enthusiasm amongst the rank and file by reinvigorating the state-of-fear mentality. If we can again calculate how very close the end is (As Splane said, all the members of the GB are part of the generation and they’re not getting any younger) then we can feel that we only have a few years, so now is not the time to miss meetings, decrease our service time, or stop donating.
How do you illustrate eisegesis? What scripture would you choose? I’ll give you a moment. Well, I pick this one. Fantastic, well exsplaned (sic)
🙂
This is known as buying more time. Plain and simple. The question is “Why are we still trying to figure out times and seasons?” It will happen when it happens. But hopefully in my generation….
My feelings exactly.
I’m completely faded. I read your articles, they give me a more believe able viewpoint…
What is the WTBS basis for second fulfillments? I still can’t grasp the idea except for, “This is what we think, and you’re an apostate for thinking otherwise.”
True. In fact, without secondary or antitypical fulfillments, they would have no basis whatsoever for the claim that Jesus appointed them as the faithful and discreet slave in 1919.
Another case of “You’re so vain, you probably think this bible verse is about you.”
And I like the part about the badly timed car engine – I’ve had a few of those. lol
Funny. Where’s Carly Simon when you need her? Oh, wait. The GB are now officially rock stars. Guess we don’t need CS after all :-))
I appreciate knowing that, Vox Ratio.
I’ve amended the footnote to clarify that not all preterists see things the same way and added a link to your comment for clarification.
Many thanks,
Meleti
Did you mean the 1850s, not 1950s? You should still be able to edit it, as there’s a 24-hour window before a comment is locked down.
There is a topic titled “Is Jesus Michael” on Discuss the Truth.
Meleti, great article! I believe that sometimes a logical easy explination is the correct one. I too will wait for part 2 to say any more
Meleti, Keeping these scriptures in mind: Luke 16:8; Mark 8:38; Matthew 11:16 (Mark 8:38); Proverbs 30:11 – where it appears that “generation” (genea) is referring to a type of people/ society of people, and not therefore to 40 or 80 years.
Is it possible, therefore, that in Matthew 23:35 where is says “you” will be held accountable, could “this generation” in verse 36 reach back 400 years to the murderers of Zechariah? If that were the case then that could be the generation that continues until the second coming of Jesus Christ and not 70 CE.
Since we must consider the context, we cannot stop at 400 years, but must reach back to Abel, also mentioned here. If the murderer of Abel is part of the “you” and “generation”, then we have a generation reaching back almost 4,000 years and forward 2,000 years. A 6,000 year generation. Such a thing is not suggested by Luke 16:8; Mark 8:38; Matthew 11:16 (Mark 8:38); Proverbs 30:11.
Well said. I agree completely!
Granted. That distinction was explained in the article. The blood guilt of all past wicked generations making up the Devil’s seed was to be heaped upon the current generation, contemporary with Jesus. Previous generations killed the prophets, but the accumulation of sin reached its breaking point with the killing of God’s Son as he foretold in parables. Thus Mt 24:34 was fulfilled in the first century.
What about Matthew 24:29,30? Jesus did not reappear immediately after 70 CE.
That’s one of the points to be covered in the next article.
The word “generation”, like most words, can mean more than one thing depending on the context. Your take on it is similar to something Apollos wrote about a couple of years ago. (See “This Generation” and the Jewish People.) I took that into consideration in my analysis. However, the context of Matthew 21 through 24 does not support that application in my opinion.
Meleti, what I’m referring to is not just related to the Jewish people, of course, but including them along with the wicked world system until replaced by the Kingdom at Jesus’ second coming. Would you agree then that what I have stated about Matthew 23:35,36 is a possibility, especially if you take into account Jesus’ words at Matthew 23:39 “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Incidentally, with regard to my comment above, taken in context, the “generation” of Matthew 24:34 relates to the then present world system which would continue until Jesus returns and replaces it with his Kingdom.
I agree your conclusion.
The sign that the summer was near referred to the coming start of the time of the nations, which would be fulfilled in the first century. We now live in the very last days of that summer, close to the start of the harvest season.
Alex Rover,
Jerusalem is no longer ruled by the nations/gentiles.
Hi Deborah, I get your point, but the harvest is the conclusion of this system of things, whereby the weeds are bound up and destroyed, and the wheat harvested. The time of the nations will come at an end with the establishment of the kingdom rule over this earth. When the statue of Daniel falls.
Alex Rover,
The return of Israel was not an accident of nature. We must let our eyes see the reality of things, not look away. The reality is that Jerusalem is no longer under the political control of the nations/gentiles. You may believe the Jerusalem in Luke 21 is a spiritual entity but that IS NOT WHAT THE CONTEXT INDICATES.
Deborah, The seasons of God is quite a detailed discussion as I’m sure you know. All who live between the two advents of Christ are prophetically “summer” which is the last season of the “kingdoms of men”. With regard to Jerusalem according to the Zechariah 14 there is to be a final battle of the nations against Jerusalem. As you will see, when studying the chapter, this battle is yet to happen and Christ will return and fight for his people.
Skye,
I would appreciate NT support for your interpretation of the “seasons”.and “summer”. Do you have direct NT scriptural references for your assertions?
Deborah, It’s quite a lengthy scriptural explanation, and it would be difficult for me to summarize it. As I explained to Meleti it was sent to me by a friend who has done extensive study on the “last days”. If you like, I could email you a copy.
Perhaps putting a detailed summary on the Discuss the Truth Forum?
I’m curious about something, Deborah. Let us assume that the appointed times of the gentiles ended around the middle of the 20th century. Is there any other significance to this?
Yes. It would mean that the signs in the heavens would come AFTER the end of the gentile times. Luke’s Gospel spans 2000 years.
Deborah, Luke 21:24 “They will fall by the sword and be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
This is referring to a final oppression by the Gentiles against Israel, yet to happen. Jesus was quoting from Zechariah 12:3 (see LXX). See also Daniel 9:26-27 and Revelation 11:2,3.
The OT is relevant to our being able to understand Jesus’ words because that is where he quoted from. Jesus Christ was a Jew!