What Jesus Did! 'This Generation' — Mark 13:30

Monday, September 30, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place."
— Mark 13:30 NLT

Key Thought

There are many ways this statement has been interpreted:
  1. Some understand this verse to mean that all of Mark 13 is referring to the destruction of Jerusalem — which occurred in the Jewish war with Rome in A.D. 66-70.
  2. Others see it to mean that all these events happened in the first generation of believers and that we have been on the edge of Jesus' return ever since.
  3. Some even declare that Jesus was wrong and that this promise wasn't fulfilled.
  4. Others even claim that Jesus returned and many Christians missed him.
While I believe the second is the more probable (and the third and fourth seem unrealistic to me because of my faith), the point is that Jesus' own word, his assurance, stands behind his promised return. He has triumphed over death once through his resurrection. He will triumph a second and final time completely, when he returns and destroys death and brings immortality to life. And the unfolding of this promise will begin at any moment!

Today's Prayer

Father, give me faith to believe that your Son's return is always imminent! In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 1:3-5
  • Revelation 1:3, 7
  • 2 Peter 3:3-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:30 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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