Luke 21:29-33 (NIV) He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
“I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Here Jesus’ words once again have a two-fold fulfillment in mind. Jesus is answering directly the question about the impending fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, but He is also looking past that event to His eventual return at the end of time.
Jesus’ parable helps His followers to understand that, as always, when God’s judgment falls on a place or a people, He will alert those of His people in harm’s way, giving them an opportunity to get out. And when the disciples and their disciples see around them the signs He is pointing out, they will know that His judgment is about to fall.
Some confusion has been caused by Jesus’ choice of words: “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” This has been interpreted as referring solely to Jesus’ second coming. But the words “kingdom of God” can also signify God’s kingdom being manifested through His judgment on those who reject Him, exercising His divine sovereignty to take back the vineyard that He had leased to the Jewish people, and giving it to others. In this sense, the words of Jesus that “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” proved to be accurate. The destruction of the city and the temple occurred a mere forty years in the future, when many of the current generation were still alive to witness it or hear about it.
Some, in the belief that Jesus’ words are limited to His second coming, have retranslated the word “generation,” its most natural meaning, as “race” or “people,” also possible, but less intuitive in this context. But this additional possible translation is not out of line if one keeps in mind Jesus’ dual context. The current generation of people would not die off before God’s judgement brought the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. And, despite that destruction, the Jewish people as a race will not completely disappear before Jesus’ return. A clear example where both/and are true.
This also provides a longer-range context for Jesus’ closing words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Even though nearly 2000 years have passed since Jesus spoke those words, the immediate aspect of the prophecy occurred just as He predicted, and in the precise time-frame He indicated. Therefore, the people of the kingdom can rest assured that the more distant aspect of the prophecy associated with Jesus’ return, will also come as predicted, even though that time has not yet come.
Father, thank You for these sure words of Jesus, made even more sure because the near aspect of His prophecy was completely and precisely fulfilled. That shows conclusively that we can take the rest to the bank! Thank You for Your grace, and for Your love for us that keeps us moving in Your direction. Amen.