Understanding Jesus' Prophecies: Context and Credibility

 

Summary

In our exploration of eschatology, we have delved into the criticisms aimed at the Bible and the credibility of Jesus concerning unfulfilled prophecies about His coming. Critics argue that Jesus' predicted return did not occur within the timeframe specified in the New Testament. A key phrase in the Olivet Discourse is "this generation will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled." Critics, like Bertrand Russell, interpret "this generation" as the contemporaries of Jesus, suggesting that the prophecy should have been fulfilled within 40 years. The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70, which occurred within this timeframe, adds complexity to the issue.

Many evangelical Christians may not fully grasp the weight of this problem, often ignoring higher criticism. It is crucial for believers to address these criticisms to uphold the credibility of Scripture and Christ. Some scholars suggest that verse 32 of Mark 13 offers an escape by stating that no one knows the day or hour, not even Jesus. However, this should not nullify Jesus' emphatic statement about the timeframe. Jesus' words, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away," underscore the importance of His prophecy.

The term "generation" is often debated. Some scholars interpret it as referring to a type or sort of people, either believers or unbelievers, rather than a specific timeframe. However, the New Testament consistently uses "generation" to refer to contemporaries of Jesus. The warnings Jesus gave were directed at the generation alive during His time, emphasizing the judgment they would face for rejecting the Messiah.

The compelling reason for reinterpreting "generation" is the belief that the end of the age has not yet occurred. However, if Jesus was referring to the end of the Jewish age, marked by the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, then His prophecy was indeed fulfilled within that generation. This interpretation aligns with the historical context and the consistent use of "generation" in the New Testament.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding "This Generation": The phrase "this generation" in the Olivet Discourse is often interpreted as referring to the contemporaries of Jesus. This interpretation aligns with the consistent use of "generation" in the New Testament, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of Jesus' warnings to His audience. [01:19]

2. The Weight of Prophecy: Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem was fulfilled within 40 years, highlighting the accuracy and reliability of His words. This fulfillment underscores the importance of understanding biblical prophecy in its historical context. [02:42]

3. The Role of Higher Criticism: Engaging with higher criticism is essential for Christians to address challenges to the credibility of Scripture and Christ. Ignoring these criticisms can weaken the defense of the faith and the understanding of biblical texts. [03:23]

4. The Nature of Jesus' Knowledge: Jesus' statement in Mark 13:32 about not knowing the day or hour reflects His human nature, which is not omniscient. This distinction between His divine and human natures is crucial for understanding the limitations of His earthly ministry. [05:01]

5. Reinterpreting "Generation": The common reinterpretation of "generation" as a type or sort of people is less satisfying exegetically. The overwhelming evidence supports the interpretation of "generation" as referring to those alive during Jesus' time, emphasizing the historical fulfillment of His prophecy. [16:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Criticisms of Unfulfilled Prophecies
- [01:19] - Understanding "This Generation"
- [01:59] - The Destruction of Jerusalem
- [02:42] - The Weight of the Problem
- [03:23] - Engaging with Higher Criticism
- [03:56] - Jesus' Emphatic Statement
- [04:25] - The Credibility of Jesus' Words
- [05:01] - The Nature of Jesus' Knowledge
- [06:00] - The Controversy of Verse 32
- [07:20] - A Sober Understanding
- [08:23] - The Meaning of "Generation"
- [09:34] - Consistency in Jesus' Warnings
- [12:36] - Reinterpreting "Generation"
- [16:40] - Exegetical Evidence
- [22:07] - The Compelling Reason for Reinterpretation
- [23:07] - The End of the Jewish Age

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 13:30-32
2. Matthew 24:34
3. Luke 21:32

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the phrase "this generation" in the context of the Olivet Discourse? How does it relate to the timeframe of Jesus' prophecy? [01:19]

2. How does the destruction of the temple in AD 70 relate to Jesus' prophecy about "this generation"? [01:59]

3. What does Jesus' statement in Mark 13:32 reveal about His knowledge during His earthly ministry? [05:01]

4. How do critics like Bertrand Russell interpret the phrase "this generation," and what implications does this have for the credibility of Jesus' prophecy? [01:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the interpretation of "this generation" as referring to Jesus' contemporaries affect the understanding of biblical prophecy? What are the implications for believers today? [01:19]

2. In what ways does engaging with higher criticism help or hinder a believer's understanding of Scripture and the credibility of Jesus' words? [02:42]

3. How does the distinction between Jesus' divine and human natures help explain His statement about not knowing the day or hour in Mark 13:32? [05:01]

4. What are the potential consequences of reinterpreting "generation" as a type or sort of people rather than a specific timeframe? How does this affect the historical context of Jesus' prophecy? [16:40]

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Application Questions:

1. How can believers today address criticisms of unfulfilled prophecies in a way that upholds the credibility of Scripture and Christ? What steps can you take to engage with these criticisms thoughtfully? [02:42]

2. Reflect on a time when you faced doubts about the reliability of biblical prophecy. How did you address those doubts, and what resources or strategies helped you? [02:42]

3. How does understanding the historical context of Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple influence your view of biblical prophecy today? [01:59]

4. In what ways can you balance the human and divine aspects of Jesus' nature in your understanding of His teachings and prophecies? How does this balance affect your faith? [05:01]

5. How can you apply the urgency and immediacy of Jesus' warnings to your own life and spiritual journey? What changes might you need to make to live with a sense of urgency in your faith? [01:19]

6. How do you respond to the idea that the end of the Jewish age, rather than the end of history, was the focus of Jesus' prophecy? How does this perspective influence your understanding of eschatology? [23:07]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you can be more proactive in defending the credibility of Scripture. What actions can you take this week to strengthen your understanding and ability to engage with critics? [02:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of Jesus' Warnings
Understanding the phrase "this generation" in the Olivet Discourse is crucial for grasping the immediacy of Jesus' warnings. This phrase is often interpreted as referring to the contemporaries of Jesus, aligning with the consistent use of "generation" in the New Testament. Jesus' words were directed at those alive during His time, emphasizing the urgency of His message and the impending judgment for rejecting the Messiah. This interpretation underscores the importance of recognizing the historical context of biblical prophecy and the immediacy with which Jesus' audience was expected to respond. [01:19]

Matthew 24:34-35 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Consider the urgency of Jesus' warnings in your own life. What immediate steps can you take today to respond to His call and align your life with His teachings?


Day 2: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem was fulfilled within 40 years, highlighting the accuracy and reliability of His words. This fulfillment serves as a testament to the importance of understanding biblical prophecy within its historical context. The destruction of the temple in AD 70 is a significant event that aligns with Jesus' predictions, demonstrating the credibility of His message and the divine orchestration of history. Recognizing this fulfillment encourages believers to trust in the reliability of Scripture and the certainty of God's promises. [02:42]

Luke 21:20-22 (ESV): "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written."

Reflection: Reflect on a promise from Scripture that you have seen fulfilled in your life. How does this fulfillment strengthen your trust in God's Word and His promises for the future?


Day 3: Engaging with Higher Criticism
Engaging with higher criticism is essential for Christians to address challenges to the credibility of Scripture and Christ. Many believers may not fully grasp the weight of criticisms aimed at unfulfilled prophecies, often ignoring higher criticism. However, addressing these criticisms is crucial for upholding the credibility of Scripture and Christ. By engaging with higher criticism, believers can strengthen their defense of the faith and deepen their understanding of biblical texts. This engagement requires a willingness to explore difficult questions and seek answers that align with the truth of Scripture. [03:23]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: Identify a challenging question or criticism about your faith that you have encountered. How can you seek answers and engage with this challenge in a way that strengthens your understanding and witness?


Day 4: The Dual Nature of Jesus
Jesus' statement in Mark 13:32 about not knowing the day or hour reflects His human nature, which is not omniscient. This distinction between His divine and human natures is crucial for understanding the limitations of His earthly ministry. While Jesus is fully divine, His incarnation involved taking on human limitations, including limited knowledge. This aspect of His nature highlights the mystery of the incarnation and the humility of Christ in His earthly ministry. Understanding this dual nature helps believers appreciate the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and His identification with humanity. [05:01]

Philippians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: Reflect on the humility of Christ in taking on human limitations. How does His example of humility challenge you to live out your faith in your daily interactions with others?


Day 5: The Historical Fulfillment of Prophecy
The common reinterpretation of "generation" as a type or sort of people is less satisfying exegetically. The overwhelming evidence supports the interpretation of "generation" as referring to those alive during Jesus' time, emphasizing the historical fulfillment of His prophecy. This interpretation aligns with the consistent use of "generation" in the New Testament and the historical context of Jesus' warnings. Recognizing the historical fulfillment of prophecy encourages believers to trust in the accuracy of Scripture and the unfolding of God's plan throughout history. [16:40]

Acts 2:40 (ESV): "And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'"

Reflection: Consider how the historical fulfillment of prophecy in Scripture impacts your view of God's sovereignty. How can this understanding influence your trust in His plan for your life and the world?

Quotes


In our study of the crisis of eschatology in our day we have placed great emphasis on the criticisms that have been launched against the Bible and against the credibility of Jesus with respect to unfulfilled prophecies that Jesus, as well as the apostles, made with respect to the coming of Christ. [00:00:06]

Now, I labor this point for this reason: I'm not convinced that evangelical Christians really do feel the weight of this problem, and that's part of the problem of ignoring higher criticism and simply preaching to the choir and talking among ourselves and not really listening to this criticism that is raised, and we have to give an answer to these critics that have devastated Scripture and the person of Christ. [00:02:36]

And so, I think it is our obligation as Christians who believe in the deity of Christ and the inspiration of the Scriptures to feel the weight of this burden and to address it as we encounter it. Now, there are many scholars who feel that the escape-hatch from all of this difficulty is found in verse 32 of Mark 13. [00:03:09]

Now, that verse 32 is one of the most controversial verses in all of Mark's gospel; because, among other things it's a verse in which Jesus puts a limit on His own knowledge when He said that the day and the hour knows nobody, not even the angels, not even the Son, just the Father. [00:05:01]

And, that's provoked all kinds of Christological debate, but obviously Jesus is referring here to His human nature, and the human nature is not omniscient. It would be heretical to assert that the human nature of Christ knew everything. The divine nature did, of course; but the human nature knows only what a normal, ordinary human being could know or a human who is informed by the divine. [00:05:21]

Now, again this business of passing away we're assuming that it refers to the death of those who are alive. Now, that is consistent with the other timeframe reference that Bertrand Russell used to refute the New Testament and to refute Jesus when Jesus said, "Some of you will not taste death until you see the Son of Man coming in power and so on." [00:09:27]

Now, more commonly the generation that is described as a type or sort of people refers not to the righteous or to believers but to unbelievers, those who were of a wicked sort, a wicked generation. And Herman Ridderbos, whom I've already talked about who gave us the 'all ready and not yet' timeframe approach to the kingdom of God teachings in the New Testament; Ridderbos takes the view that the Greek word here, 'genea' that is used to interpret -- or to translate a generation, is a description not of timeframe but of mind-frame. [00:15:02]

But the usage of it in the New Testament overwhelmingly and consistently refers to a group of people who are alive at the particular time. And I want to take some time now to look at some of these passages. The first passage we look at is in Matthew 23, verse 36. Now, in this context Jesus is giving His final address that He gives presumably on the very same day that He gives the Olivet Discourse, and He said, quote, "All of these things shall come upon this generation." [00:16:50]

Now, if we understand the biblical context in which our Lord makes these statements, He's clearly talking about the decisive point in redemptive history where God has visited the nation of Israel in the person of His only begotten Son. And it was that generation that was alive at that time that had on the one hand the unspeakable privilege of seeing the Messiah come in the flesh, and yet at the same time it was that generation who were convicted of the greatest guilt in Jewish history because that was that generation that rejected the One who had come to their own, and they received Him not. [00:19:41]

And so Jesus again and again in the New Testament warns that existing generation about the severity of judgment that will be on their heads because their judgment will be far greater than those earlier generations in antiquity such as were seen in the days of the Queen of Sheba and in other periods, because the decisive crisis point has been reached with the coming of the Messiah. [00:20:24]

In fact, apart from the use of this word 'genea' (the generation), that we find in the Olivet Discourse there are 38 other references to this word in the New Testament, and every one of them refers to a contemporary group of people that were then alive. Now, it's possible linguistically that 'genea' could mean sort or type, or as Ridderbos suggests a mind-frame rather than a timeframe. [00:21:15]

But what if the end of the age has come? What if what Jesus is talking about here is not the end of history but the end of the Jewish age? What if Jesus is talking about not His final consummate coming to fulfill all prophecy about the final renovation of heaven and earth, but what He's talking about is His coming of judgment on Israel, which is manifested in the destruction of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem. [00:22:54]

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Transcript
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