As people over the centuries have tried to understand these verses, there have been a number of views as to whether or not they speak of the decades surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection or the future ‘end of the age’. In support of the time after Jesus’ death and resurrection (especially that relating to the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD), people have especially appealed to the reference in verse 29 of “immediately after the distress of those days,” and in verse 33, “this generation will certainly not passage away until all these things have happened”. However, this doesn’t easily reconcile to other language that is clearly reference to the second coming of Jesus when he will return to judge the earth. So what are we to make of this? How best can we understand the point in time that Jesus is referring to here?

First, it’s important to acknowledge up front that throughout this section there’s no ‘tidy’ divide between Jesus speaking of both of these two points in history. It seems that Jesus not only warns of the dreadful time of judgment that will fall on Jerusalem, but that this event is also in some way a lens through which we can understand the time when he will return. Second, it’s overwhelmingly evident (particularly by the parables that follow) that Jesus’ primary concern is that the knowledge of his return would significantly shape the choices that we make today. Jesus warns us of the certainty of his return (more on that tomorrow as we re-look at these verses) in order that we would hold fast to him and thus be found appropriately waiting. Whilst the descriptors of this cataclysmic time can make us feel dread, these verses can actually fill us with great confidence that Jesus will indeed save his elect who have put their trust in him. AL

Questions

How does the knowledge of Jesus’ return shape how you live today? What parts of these verses reassure you that you won’t miss Jesus’ return? 3. Who are God’s elect? What can give us confidence that Jesus will gather us?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that we can look forward to Jesus’ return with great confidence, not because of our goodness, but because of your mercy! Please help us to stand firm in Christ, that the knowledge of his return would shape the life choices and priorities that we make today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.