This Generation?

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. ~ Jesus (Matt 24:34).

There is little doubt that most Christians today believe Jesus will return in "this generation". Somewhere in the world, a message about Jesus coming back in this generation is surely being preached.

Many generations have passed since Jesus made that statement to his apostles (read Matt 24 for context). Even a quick read of the New Testament would lead you to believe, those closest to Jesus' original statement thought He'd return in their generation. Let's take a look at some quotes from the writers of the New Testament.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains (James 5:7).

You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:8).

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer (1 Peter 4:7).

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour (1 John 2:18).

Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (1 John 2:28).

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near (Rev. 1:3).

And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near (Rev. 22:10).

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. (Heb. 10:37).

Before we move ahead, I'd like to ponder a few things, a few questions I think are important.

1. Were they wrong?

You think about that for yourself, but if you believe Jesus will return in our generation, then the obvious answer is yes. Before you start trying to make excuses, seriously think about it.

2. Did they simply misunderstand what Jesus said?

If Jesus didn't return in that generation, wouldn't the obvious answer to this question be YES? Again, before you start making excuses, think about the statements they made.

3. What else did they misunderstand or get wrong?

As you consider these things (without trying to shove anything into your paradigm), remember what Jesus Himself said:

And He said, "See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them (Luke 21:8).

Clearly the writers of the New Testament were saying "the time is near". But, most today are saying the time wasn't near. So, if the time wasn't near, should we follow the teachings of the New Testament? Again, they (N.T. writers) said the time was near and most today say it wasn't; Jesus said if they say "the time is near" (and it's not), no not go after them; in other words, do not follow them.

Next time we'll look at a couple of things Jesus said.