Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.
In this saying, Jesus affirms the trustworthiness of his words, saying that the generation before whom he was speaking would see the beginning of the fulfillment of these prophecies. “This generation” can mean both the Jews of that time who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, and humanity in general as the bearer of the course of history. Christ’s word emphasizes that God’s promises are never delayed and are certainly fulfilled within the bounds of time. This is a reminder that historical events, from the destruction of the temple to spiritual trials, are all part of the same divine plan that will lead to the final fulfillment. Indeed, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled historically, with the destruction of Jerusalem as the beginning of the signs Jesus revealed about the last times, yet it also continues to have spiritual significance as a foreshadowing of the final radiance of God’s judgment and salvation.