Mark 13:28-31 "Heaven & Earth Willl Pass Away, But My Word Will Not Pass Away"

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things, recognize that He is near; right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

It can be very confusing when we try to understand the word “generation” in the Bible text. In these verses, Jesus is speaking of His imminent return. He speaks very forthright about the certainty of His return and goes on to say that his words will not pass away. His words are more certain than heaven and earth themselves. But then He says that this generation will not pass before these things occur. In other texts, Jesus addresses “this generation,” not as the generation of he and his family, but to those whose life he was born into. All of the generations from Moses to Jesus were those who were born under the Law. Those generations from his birth until His return for a Second Advent are living in the period of grace. It is these generations to whom he makes his address to today. At first, the disciples thought he may return in their lives, but later learned that Jesus was referring to the generations for whom he died on the Cross for. But he concludes his address with the certainty of his return.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word and Your word is true. Let is live our life in a state of expectation, always preparing for the Master’s return. In your holy name I pray Amen.