The Literal Bible app defines the use of “this generation”, as used in this verse, to mean “of all the people of a given period.” The question I see in need of understanding is, “What is ‘the given period’ addressed here?”

Now, before I go further, let me clarify here, I am not a Theologian. And I am not an expert on biblical, end-time prophecy. I am a disciple of Christ, seeking Him for understanding. This is my understanding at this point in my spiritual growth; and I am still growing.

As Jesus said, only Father God knows the day or hour of the fullness of times. We are tasked with recognizing the signs and symptoms of the times and epochs in which we live, and to make sure we are found watchful, faithful, and ready when He comes. For us to do that, we must be practicing students of His Word, disciples of Christ, seeking God’s wise council that we may understand truth and walk in it.

Now let’s look at this passage, and I’ll share my understanding of these things. May the heart of the Father lead us to His truth.

““But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”” – Mark 13:24-37

Verse 32 says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

In this passage, Jesus says that He does not know the timetable for the completion of these things, so that tells me the “generation” spoken of is not necessarily meaning that generation to whom He is speaking, for that would be designating a timeline which He claims no knowledge of. The “generation” spoken of, in my estimation then, would be the people destined to watch and wait for His coming: those people who live from that moment of His speaking, through to the time set by God. Has that time come and gone yet? Look back in Mark 13 to verse 14:

““So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”” – Mark 13:14 (Daniel 11-12)

This would appear to be the last of the signs we are told to watch for by Jesus. Since Jesus speaks of an event He has not seen fulfilled, we know that nothing before His words fit the parameters of this prophetic marker. I have not seen this fulfilled yet, in life, nor have I heard of it in historic account.

Some who say that the ascension of Christ was it fail to read and understand Paul’s warning to those who were being troubled by some who said that the rapture of the saints had already happened, and those left behind at that time missed the boat:

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” – II Thessalonians 2:1-4 NKJV

Paul’s word put to rest the thought of Christ’s ascension being the expected rapture event.

Some say this passage speaks of a spirit of evil that will possess the heart of men. If that’s it, we are certainly there. But the wording here would appear to be referencing a literal person, personifying the deepest levels of evil, who will profess himself to be God incarnate, having come again and being the one for whom we watch. If this is the case, I have not seen this yet.

Thus, I, for one, still watch and wait expectantly. And I continue to pray for lost souls to come to Christ before it is too late.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, for the days are evil. But please, draw our beloveds in and hold off until the last one who will say, “I do” to You says so. I trust Your patience, knowing that You wish none to perish, but all to come to repentance. For as long as You tarry, Your patience still waits and works to draw the last sheep home.

Make us faithful in the wait, Lord, to fearlessly and shamelessly share Your gospel truth at every opportunity. Jesus is the way, truth and life, the only Name by which we must be saved. Open eyes, ears, hearts, minds, and wills to know truth and surrender to You while there is still time. In Jesus, amen.