Generations

A “generation” refers to all the people who live within the same time span of 20–30 years. Some of the contemporary terms for previous generations are somewhat condescending: “silent generation” (1928–45), “lost generation” (1883–1900), or “baby boomers” (1946–64). Some are self-exalting: “greatest generation” (1901–27), “generation Z” (1997–2012), and “generation alpha” (2010–20). Regardless, when the term “generation” is used, it refers to all the people who live within the same time, whether literally or figuratively. The last part—literally or figuratively—is what separates the preterits and the futurists, as we’ll see below.

After saying that with calamities will come Christ’s rescue (Luke 21:25–28), Jesus gave a parable and a further message of hope.

“You see a fig or any tree: when they put forth leaves, you see them and know the summer or harvest is near” (21:29–30).

Countries in the northern and southern hemispheres, away from the tropics, have four seasons: fall, when the leaves fall, and the trees become barren, readying for the winter; winter, when the trees stand without any leaves awaiting spring; spring, when the leaves and flower buds appear on the trees, hoping for a great season; and summer, when the fruit on the trees matures and ripens. Galilee and Judea have seasons, and the Lord was referring to that. When they saw spring and leaves, they knew summer and fruit harvest were near.

The disciples should anticipate something like that, too, spiritually speaking.

“When you see these things happening, then you’ll know God’s rule is nearby” (21:31).

Along with calamities would come the Lord’s rescue (v. 28) and God’s rule among the people. In a way, then, the calamities are a good sign, just as spring is a good reminder that fruit and flower season is coming. Matthew listed another illustration: birth-pain. As painful as mothers feel the pain of childbirth, it also brings them the joy of bringing the newborns into the world!

Saying these, the Lord said,

“Truly, I say to you: this generation shall not pass along until everything I’ve said has happened. Heaven and earth may pass along, but my words will not pass along” (21:32–33).

The verb pass along is a combination of the preposition para, meaning “beside,” and the verb erchomai, “go.” It gives the impression of someone passing by us without stopping to say “hello” or talk with us. “This generation” will not pass along without experiencing everything Jesus had said.

This is where the scholars disagree. The preterists take “this generation” literally and say whatever Jesus predicted would have been fulfilled within 20–30 years of his predictions, i.e., by AD 60–70, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The futurists take “this generation” figuratively and say whatever Jesus predicted would happen within this age or dispensation, meaning the time between Pentecost and the second coming of Christ. The former see God’s rule has already begun, and the latter see it yet to happen. This would, of course, affect their understanding of rapture, millennial kingdom, heaven, God’s rule on earth, etc.

Most NT scholars think at least a portion of God’s rule began with Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Just like a mustard seed, it would continue to grow until it becomes large enough to host multitudes of birds.

We might not see God’s rule when we see disasters around us. But that’s the time to hope that Jesus will fulfill what he promised in these verses. Our redemption and God’s rule are always nearby.