This generation will not pass away

Jesus as entered Jerusalem, and is just days away from the Cross. The disciples come to Jesus and begin to ask Him about His return. He goes through a detailed list of things they are to watch for, describes His return, and then delivers this verse:


So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Mark 13:29-31

The statement is also recorded in Matthew and Luke. Considering Jesus spoke these word more than two thousand years ago, many have been confused by this statement. What did Jesus mean? 

Here are some possibilities:

• Jesus was mistaken. The generation He was addressing did pass away. While many believed that Jesus would return before John died (John 21:20-23), His return is still eagerly awaited by His followers. I won't waste time here - not a big fan of this option.
• It actually happened. Some would teach that the events prophesied in Mark 13 actually took place. This is the Preterist view of Eschatology, the study of the return of Christ. Indeed, some of the events Christ talks about, such has the destruction of the Temple in 70 a.d., did take place. However, not all that Jesus said would happen was fulfilled, specifically Jesus returning in power to gather his elect. Preterist rightly identify that part of the prophesy was literally fulfilled, then often allergorize the rest of the passage to make the argument that all of what Jesus said has taken place.
• Near/Far fulfillment. There is a concept in biblical prophesy called near/far fulfillment. Prophets often included a near fulfillment, and when the near aspect of the prophesy was fulfilled, it made the distant fulfillment more sure. This is true of Old Testament messianic prophesies. All OT prophesies regarding the Messiah were not fulfilled when Jesus came, but many were specifically and miraculously fulfilled. This gives us greater confidence that Jesus will fulfill all remaining messianic prophesies when he returns. 
• Jesus was giving Hope. Jesus had just prophesied that before he returns, there would be turmoil on the earth, including false teachers, wars, and natural disasters (Mk. 13:3-8). Jesus continues and tells his followers that the will be persecuted and stand trial for their faith (Mk. 13:9-13) Jesus also promises that in the midst of these persecutions, the Holy Spirit will never abandon His followers. This persecution will progress until it is described as "such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be." Considering the atrocities we have witnessed in the last hundred years, including genocide and the Holocaust, this is quite a statement. Jesus continues, saying "if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days." Jesus is making a promise to His followers. While some will perish, all hope is not lost. God will not be defeated, and those who trust in Him will not be disappointed. He will return and gather his followers and his followers will not be exterminated. I believe the best way to view the phrase "this generation will not pass away" is to understand that Jesus was restating the promise that all would not be killed amidst this period of persecution. those who live through this testing can know with confidence, because Jesus said it, that His followers, the church, will ultimately prevail. "This generation" rightly refers to the generation that endures thus great period of persecution. The believer is called to endurance as proof that he is truly saved.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matt 24:10-13

If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive,

to captivity he goes;  if anyone is to be slain with the sword,

with the sword must he be slain.

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Rev 13:9-10

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;

but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him."

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Heb 10:36-39