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Bible Question: I
was reading Matthew 24 and Jesus talks about "this generation"
not passing away until His prophecies were fulfilled. Can you help
me understand what He meant by this? Thanks.
Bible Answer: The
phrase "this generation" occurs in Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30
and Luke 21:32.
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Truly
I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these
things take place. (NASB) Matt. 24:34 |
There are three possible meanings for the phrase "this generation."
In order to answer this question, we need to first understand the
context. This section of scripture is Jesus' last major sermon in
the book of Matthew. It is called the Olivet Discourse. The "sermon"
starts by Jesus asking His disciples a question, and then He makes
a statement about the temple.
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And
Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples
came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. And He answered
and said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Truly
I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another,
which will not be torn down."
(NASB) Matt. 24:1-2 |
His disciples respond by asking Him a three part question,
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And
as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came
to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things
be, and
what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the
age?" (NASB) Matt. 24:3 |
Jesus proceeds to answer their question. The key to understanding
verse 34 is to understand His message. The message is also given in
Mark and Luke with some additional details. If we combine all of the
information together we have a more complete understanding of His
sermon. The following table provides an outline of Jesus' message.
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