This is an interesting question that many Bible believers have pondered. When Israel was re-established as a modern nation in 1948, it seemed like a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a sign that the Second Coming of Christ could be soon. Now, 75 years later, some wonder if any of that “fig tree generation” will still be alive when Jesus returns.
While we cannot know for sure the timing of Christ’s return, there are some biblical principles we can look to for guidance on this topic. First, Jesus himself said that no one knows the day or hour of his return, only the Father in heaven (Matthew 24:36). So we should be wary of anyone claiming to have calculated a precise timeline.
However, Jesus did say that the generation alive when certain end times signs were taking place would not pass away until all things were fulfilled (Matthew 24:34). The fig tree was often symbolic of Israel in scripture. So when Israel was re-established, it resembled the fig tree putting forth leaves as an indication that summer (and the coming kingdom) was near (Matthew 24:32).
But what constitutes a biblical “generation”? Scholars have proposed numbers ranging from 40-100 years, based on clues like the 40 years Israel wandered in the wilderness and the 70-80 year lifespan of Psalms 90:10. If we take 70 years from 1948, that brings us to 2018. And indeed, many from that original generation are still with us in 2023. However, we do not know if “this generation” refers precisely to those alive in 1948.
Some believe it refers to those who not only witnessed Israel’s rebirth, but also witnessed events like the recapturing of Jerusalem in 1967. If we start the generation count from 1967, we get 70 more years bringing us to 2037. And certainly some of that generation will still be alive by then barring the Rapture. But again, we cannot build doctrine solely on these speculative calculations.
Ultimately, while we watch for prophetic signs, the date of Christ’s return remains hidden in the Father’s sovereign plan. We should hold it loosely but also remain ready, as Christ himself commanded. He taught us to be prepared at all times, actively working in his kingdom, not sitting back speculating on dates. No matter when he returns, our mission as believers remains the same – to shine gospel light into the darkness.
Now let’s explore some specific passages that shed light on this topic…
1. Matthew 24:32-35 – The Parable of the Fig Tree
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, 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. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:32-35 ESV)
This passage contains Jesus’ famous “fig tree” parable, comparing the signs preceding his return to a fig tree blossoming. When the branch turns tender and sprouts leaves, you know summer is coming soon. In the same way, Jesus says the generation alive when end times signs appear will witness the fulfillment of “all these things” before passing away.
Most scholars see the fig tree as a symbol for Israel’s national revival. The blooming fig tree seeming to point to Israel’s rebirth as a nation in 1948 after nearly 1900 years of exile. And if “this generation” is taken as 70-80 years, then some who saw these pivotal events will still be alive when Christ returns, just as summer follows soon after the fig tree blooms.
However, we cannot be dogmatic about such a timeframe, since “this generation” may have a symbolic meaning beyond a literal generational count. But nonetheless, this parable encourages watchfulness, as it will not be centuries more before the Son of Man comes if the fixed natural order is any clue.
2. Matthew 24:36 – Unknown Hour, Known Season
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36 ESV)
This verse comes right after the fig tree parable, forming an important caveat. Jesus stresses that despite visible signs like a budding fig tree, no one knows the precise “day and hour” of return except the Father. The ESV Study Bible notes this was a common Jewish phrase meaning no one knows the precise timing.
So while we may discern the general season from prophecy fulfillment, we cannot pinpoint the exact day or year when Christ will come on the clouds. Date-setting only breeds disillusionment and skepticism. Rather, we must live in continual readiness for his sudden appearing, whenever that may be.
3. Mark 13:28-30 – This Generation Will Not Pass Away
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 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 13:28-30 ESV)
Mark’s account of the Olivet Discourse contains the same fig tree parable we saw in Matthew 24. Jesus again uses the budding plant to symbolize coming prophetic fulfillment. And he warns that “this generation” will witness all things coming to pass before they pass away.
As we saw before, calculating a precise generational timeframe is tenuous. But nonetheless, the parable signals Christ’s return cannot be eons away if the original eyewitnesses are promised to see its culmination. And if “this generation” begins with pivotal 20th century events like Israel’s 1948 rebirth, then indeed some remain to witness what comes next.
4. Luke 21:29-32 – The Kingdom of God is Near
“And he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.'” (Luke 21:29-32 ESV)
Luke likewise recalls Jesus’ parable about the budding fig tree signaling coming fulfillment of prophecy. When the tree sprouts leaves, you know summer is just around the corner. In the same way, Jesus says recognizing end times signs means “the kingdom of God is near.” And again, he warns “this generation” will experience the ultimate fulfillment.
Interestingly, Luke records Jesus saying the kingdom of God is near, rather than Christ’s return being imminent as in Matthew & Mark. From this some scholars conclude the definitive fulfillment will be when God’s kingdom is consummated on earth at Christ’s return. Until then, we live in the already/not yet tension of the kingdom’s inauguration but future full establishment.
5. Matthew 16:28 – Some Standing Here Will Not Taste Death
“Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28 ESV)
In this puzzling verse, Jesus tells his disciples that some of them standing there with him will not taste death before witnessing Him coming in His kingdom. At first glance, this seems to imply that Christ would return within that generation’s lifetime. However, the very next passage describes the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8).
So most scholars understand Christ’s words as referring to the forthcoming Transfiguration, a sneak preview of His glory, a vision of Him coming into His kingdom. The disciples would get a glimpse of His power before tasting death, though His literal Second Coming was still far off.
This interpretation also heeds Christ’s other clear warnings that no one knows the hour of His return. So this verse cannot contradict his plain statement that the timing remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, this passage fueled much debate over whether Christ failed to fulfill his promise before that generation passed away. But contextual study resolves this surface tension.
6. Matthew 10:23 – Coming Before Finishing the Cities of Israel
“When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (Matthew 10:23 ESV)
At first read, this verse also seems to imply Christ’s swift return before the disciples can even evangelize the cities of Israel. However, most scholars interpret this coming as referring to Christ manifesting His spiritual presence among believers as they faced persecution, not his literal Second Coming.
Some also see it fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans. This ended the disciples’ mission to the Jewish towns, because the nation that rejected Christ was judged. Regardless, it cannot contradict Jesus’ clear teaching that no one knows the day or hour of his ultimate return.
7. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 – We Who Are Alive, Who Are Left
“For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15 ESV)
In his letters to the Thessalonian church, Paul consistently writes as if Christ’s return may happen in their lifetime. For instance, here he describes Christians alive when Christ returns not preceding those already dead. Some interpret this to mean Paul clearly expected Christ to return soon.
However, Paul may have simply written this way to encourage constant readiness and watchfulness, not because he knew a precise timeframe. Believers in every generation should live with expectancy that Christ could return at any moment, without presuming they will be the final generation.
Additionally, Greek scholars note Paul’s use of the word “we” here does not necessarily implicate Paul himself or his current readers. It was often used as a literary device to identify with readers, without implying a literal timeframe.
8. Hebrews 10:37 – For Yet a Little While
“For yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.” (Hebrews 10:37 ESV)
Here the author of Hebrews also seems to convey Christ’s imminent return. Just “a little while” more, he says, and the coming One will be here. Some take this as evidence even later New Testament writers expected Christ very soon.
But the context cites Habakkuk 2, where the prophet tells Israel God is sending the Babylonians to judge them, promising ultimate deliverance after the appointed time. For oppressed Habakkuk, this short-term judgment must have felt anything but “a little while.”
Thus, we must take care not to project our limited conception of time onto God, who inhabits eternity. What seems like delay to us may be mere seconds on His clock. Either way, this passage does not give license to predict a timeframe, especially when Christ Himself refused.
9. Revelation 12:12 – He Has a Short Time
“Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12 ESV)
Revelation depicts Satan’s fury as his judgment draws near. It says woe to the earth, for the devil knows “his time is short.” Some take this to also signal Jesus’ imminent return to imprison Satan. However, the same book later describes Satan released to deceive the nations once more (Revelation 20:7-8).
So consistent with most of Scripture, Revelation seems to teach a series of progressive fulfillments, with partial judgments on Satan overlapping with his ultimate demise. While each defeat narrows his window, we cannot locate ourselves at the precipice without contradicting Jesus’ clear warnings about the unknown hour.
10. 2 Peter 3:3-9 – The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief
“Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation’ . . .
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…” (2 Peter 3:3-9 ESV)
Peter provides needed perspective on why Christ’s return seems delayed, despite hints it is imminent. Scoffers will mock, questioning where His coming is. But God views time differently than us. What seems slow to us is God mercifully extending time for repentance.
Nonetheless, Peter underscores the day of the Lord will still come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. So we must maintain readiness, while also trusting God’s perfect timing and higher purposes in any seeming delay. His ways and thoughts transcend ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Conclusion
In summary, while Scripture hints Christ’s return is never far off, it also forbids date-setting or precise predictions about “that day and hour” known only to the Father. We see indicators like Israel’s rebirth that remind us His coming cannot be eons away if the original generation will witness its fulfillment.
But the complexities of calculating a biblical generation combined with Christ’s warnings against presumption tell us we cannot pinpoint a timeframe. We are to watch expectantly, like a guard awaiting his master’s return from a journey. Yet the master determines the hour, not the servant.
So while some who witnessed Israel’s 1948 rebirth may still be alive for Christ’s return, we cannot build doctrine on this possibility. We must hold our interpretations loosely and avoid dogmatism. Nothing breeds cynicism like failed predictions when God’s timing does not match our interpretations.
Our call is simply to trust and obey – actively working and watching for His return, whenever that may be. And encouraging one another that today may be the day. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
