It’s important to look for three things when reading prophecy. First, look for the general principle expressed by the prophet. Then, look for an immediate application. Finally, look for a future reference. These are usually more obscure, and often can’t be recognized until after the fact.
The style of Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 is similar to that of the Old Testament prophets. When Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3), He stressed the importance of readiness—being prepared for the time of His return. He then spoke of events that would happen soon (Matthew 24:4-13)—the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.1 Finally He spoke of spectacular occurrences in the distant future that clearly referred to His second coming and the great tribulation period (Matthew 24:15-35).
But doesn’t Jesus’ use of the words “this generation” in verse 34 imply that all of the events in this passage have already occurred?
Some people believe that the term “generation” in Matthew 24:34 (“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place”) proves that all of the events described in this chapter were fulfilled by the persecution of the Jews and destruction of Jerusalem under Titus in AD 70. However, the key Greek word in this verse, which was translated as generation, can also legitimately be translated race. In other words, this passage may refer to the preservation of the Jewish race until the time that “these things take place.” A third option (which happens to be our point of view) is that “this generation” refers to those who would see the beginning of the signs depicted in Matthew Matthew 24:15-35. Those who would see the beginning of these signs would live until the end.
Verses 36 through the end of the chapter emphasize the unexpected nature of Christ’s return, and they speak of people caught by surprise at their work with some left and others taken. What are these verses referring to?
After speaking of the signs that can be expected, beginning with Matthew 24:36 Jesus answers the question “When?” by emphasizing the unexpected nature of His coming. This gives us good reason to believe that Jesus is here referring to the rapture of the church. At the time of the rapture, the wicked will be swept away into the judgments of the great tribulation (Matthew 24:39), while the saved will be “taken” to be with Jesus forever. Interestingly, the Greek word translated taken that Jesus used in Matthew 24:40-41 is the same word He used in John 14:3 in reference to heaven.
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
On the other hand, others point out that the context of the passage seems to imply judgment.
As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:37)
These people believe that this passage describes those who are living during the great tribulation. They say that those who are “left” are believers who will survive to enter the millennium and that those who are “taken” are the wicked who will be killed and brought to judgment.
In the final analysis, either—or both—of these interpretations may turn out to be accurate. Prophecy that refers to future events is often multifaceted. Like Old Testament messianic prophecies, it often is easier to understand in retrospect.
