Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.
This saying especially refers to the events that took place in the first century, with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Many from the generation of Christ’s hearers would see the fulfillment of the judgment He foretold. This confirms the truth of His prophetic word. At the same time, that historical fulfillment becomes a guarantee and a foreshadowing of the future final judgment. Just as His word about the temple was fulfilled completely, so also His word about His glorious coming will certainly be fulfilled. The Lord’s word never returns empty.