The Generation of Jesus Christ - What It Means

[Anthony Pritchard]

That was not my point. My point is that all the OT prophecies were not fulfilled at the first coming of Jesus Christ. I quoted Jesus saying in Luke 24 that his purpose for coning is to fulfill all (with the emphasis on all) those OT prophecies and a great number of them concerned fulfilling the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic covenant and the Palestinian (land) covenant. De 30. According to how I interpret these scriptures concerning this generation, which is literally, God is working out the plans for his rule over the earth through this generation cycle of the Jewish nation.

Ga 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Time is a most important element when discerning truth.

What we call the NT scriptures has much in them about the prophecies of the OT scriptures and Jesus ruling of earth but the OT scriptures has nothing spoken plainly about the church of Jesus Christ. These truths are new revelations and new and separate truths concerning an age that is missing from the OT, an age we call the church age and the Bible calls the dispensation of the grace of God. The church and their particular promises are call the "mysteries of God" and require revelation from God to understand them. The natural man cannot understand them we are told in 1 Corinthians 2. 13-14. Because of their stubborn rejection of their King, Jesus Christ, concerning his kingdom, he has graciously received the few believers in his person, the son of God, on a one on one "family" basis rather than a national basis, along with every gentile on the planet. This would in no way cancel any one of his unconditional covenants he has made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and David. All those prophecies that lack fulfillment will be fulfilled exactly as they are given.

The death of the generation charged to receive the kingdom of God by receiving Jesus Christ took place in the 12th chapter of Matthew when the rulers on behalf of the nation committed the unpardonable sin. They, would die before the kingdom as those who refused to go into the rest of God under Moses, (see He 3). The Hebrews in Asia Minor, the strangers and pilgrims, would have secured the kingdom except for the interference of the Judaizers who persuaded them to return to the law of Moses as the means of their salvation. The nation lost it's identity with a national dispersion., the temple destroyed, and the people of God, Israel, were as gentiles and will be until the church is removed by the gathering of the church into heaven, a mystery not understood by a strict intellectual approach to the scriptures.

God interrupted his generation with death when time does not pass until he brings it back to life, first physically and then spiritually.


Ps 115:15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.

Brother, the entire argument depends on Matthew 1:1 referring to a 70‑year time span, but the word there is not genea, the word for a generation of people. It is genesis, the word for origin, lineage, or genealogy. Matthew is introducing the ancestry of Christ, not a prophetic window. Once that is clear, the idea of a 70‑year “generation of Jesus Christ” being under scrutiny in the New Testament cannot be sustained. Scripture uses the word generation in several different ways, but Matthew 1:1 is not about a time period at all. It is simply the record of His lineage.

 

[JD731]

Brother, the entire argument depends on Matthew 1:1 referring to a 70‑year time span, but the word there is not genea, the word for a generation of people. It is genesis, the word for origin, lineage, or genealogy. Matthew is introducing the ancestry of Christ, not a prophetic window. Once that is clear, the idea of a 70‑year “generation of Jesus Christ” being under scrutiny in the New Testament cannot be sustained. Scripture uses the word generation in several different ways, but Matthew 1:1 is not about a time period at all. It is simply the record of His lineage.

Noted. Thanks.

 

[JD731]

Ok, does your Bible say “generation” or “genealogy”? Knowing context determines meaning, it seems clear the context of Matthew 1 is a genealogy, or do you disagree?

Peace to you

The book of Matthew is the book of the King. It has for it's emphasis to present Jesus as having the right credentials to be the Messiah of Israel, which includes being a son of Abraham and a son of David. Matthew makes this a matter of written record of an apostle in 65 AD about the same time Israel was getting four warnings in a letter to the Hebrews not to fall away and the penalty for that generation if they do. (it would be impossible to renew them again to repentance)

So, you can see this as a genealogical record because one can learn that in a classroom about Matthew 1 but as far as having a spiritual quality that relates to a generation, if there is one, it is obvious you have missed it. There are types and similitudes in the scriptures. One must keep that in mind.

Ho 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.

 

[JD731]

The number 40 is the number in the scriptures for "probation." This would be easy to prove if I wanted to give examples from the many places it is used that way, I am not going to here but I am going to note an instance in our context where there is a connection to this generation and it will be a total of the same 70 years that Jesus Christ was a prophet in Israel It is in parabolic form and recorded by Luke near the end of the ministry of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.

Luke:13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree (metaphor for nation of Israel) planted in his vineyard (Judah); and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years (time of ministry of Jesus) I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
(a request for probation)
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Jesus was rejected in 30 AD . Forty years later after the biblical probation time it, the fig tree, was removed by the Romans in AD 70. I am sure if Israel would have repented all the remainder of the OT prophecies concerning Jesus Christ would have been fulfilled which would have included his sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem.

This generation did not repent. It perished under the Romans.

 

[Anthony Pritchard]

The number 40 is the number in the scriptures for "probation." This would be easy to prove if I wanted to give examples from the many places it is used that way, I am not going to here but I am going to note an instance in our context where there is a connection to this generation and it will be a total of the same 70 years that Jesus Christ was a prophet in Israel It is in parabolic form and recorded by Luke near the end of the ministry of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.

Luke:13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree (metaphor for nation of Israel) planted in his vineyard (Judah); and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years (time of ministry of Jesus) I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
(a request for probation)
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Jesus was rejected in 30 AD . Forty years later after the biblical probation time it, the fig tree, was removed by the Romans in AD 70. I am sure if Israel would have repented all the remainder of the OT prophecies concerning Jesus Christ would have been fulfilled which would have included his sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem.

This generation did not repent. It perished under the Romans.

Brother, the number 40 appears often in Scripture, but the Bible never defines it as a prophetic law or a measure of a generation. Luke 13 is a parable about Israel’s need to repent during Jesus’ ministry, not a coded timeline leading to AD 70. The New Testament never defines “this generation” as 70 years, and Psalm 90:10 is about the normal span of human life, not prophecy. When we treat parables as countdown clocks and patterns as doctrines, we end up building systems the text itself does not support.

 

[canadyjd]

….
So, you can see this as a genealogical record because one can learn that in a classroom about Matthew 1

Or, as I did, simply read the passage, and see the context as presenting a genealogy of Jesus Christ. Classroom not needed.

However, to pour dispensationalism into the passage, you need to be convinced everything points to dispensationalism and then read that into every passsge.

but as far as having a spiritual quality that relates to a generation, if there is one, it is obvious you have missed it.

Because the context does not support it.

There are types and similitudes in the scriptures. One must keep that in mind.

You see types and similitudes in Matthew 1, where there is none, and ignore the types and similitudes in Revelation taking it as literal, when it is full of types and metaphors.

Ho 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.

Ok, but that doesn’t apply to Matthew 1 because the context doesn’t support it.

I do understand you are convinced in your own mind, and that is just fine.

I don’t want us to just talk past each other so I’ll bow out and leave you to your thread.

Peace to you

 

[Aaron]

The gentile church has been gathered into heaven?

You and I are still on earth.

And yet, we are seated with Him in heavenly places. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: - Eph 2:6

 

[Anthony Pritchard]

Or, as I did, simply read the passage, and see the context as presenting a genealogy of Jesus Christ. Classroom not needed.

However, to pour dispensationalism into the passage, you need to be convinced everything points to dispensationalism and then read that into every passsge.

Because the context does not support it.

You see types and similitudes in Matthew 1, where there is none, and ignore the types and similitudes in Revelation taking it as literal, when it is full of types and metaphors.

Ok, but that doesn’t apply to Matthew 1 because the context doesn’t support it.

I do understand you are convinced in your own mind, and that is just fine.

I don’t want us to just talk past each other so I’ll bow out and leave you to your thread.

Peace to you

CanadyJD, that was a clear and well‑reasoned reply. You stayed with the context of the passage and handled the discussion with a steady tone. I appreciated the balance and the way you kept the focus on what the text actually says. Well done.

 

[JD731]

Brother, the number 40 appears often in Scripture, but the Bible never defines it as a prophetic law or a measure of a generation. Luke 13 is a parable about Israel’s need to repent during Jesus’ ministry, not a coded timeline leading to AD 70. The New Testament never defines “this generation” as 70 years, and Psalm 90:10 is about the normal span of human life, not prophecy. When we treat parables as countdown clocks and patterns as doctrines, we end up building systems the text itself does not support.

I would say something about the parables of Jesus in the gospels. His ministry during those days was to the Jews, to Israel, only. His message, and that of the ones he chose as his 12 apostles, one to rule over each tribe, and 70 elders was after the pattern of Moses when Israel was birthed as a nation in Egypt and then led out toward the promised land of Canaan, they being baptized collectively in the Red Sea. The one and only gospel that Jesus and his disciples preached in those days was the good news, the glad tidings that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. It was called the gospel of the kingdom. When the gospel is mentioned by the four gospels writers one needs to understand this is the gospel being referred to.
You will need to see this in print.

Jn 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Mt 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Mt 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mt 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mt 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This is a political gospel that concerns the government of the world. That is not the gospel the church is commissioned to preach and it has not been preached in the age of grace. The gospel of the grace of God has been preached and the Jews first and then the gentiles of the world are the targets.

Excerpts from Acts 28 (AD 65?)(one has to wonder if these Jews in Rome had read the letter to the Roman church that had been written in AD 58)

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. Paul was trying to get the kingdom of God in them)
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

God would not address the Jewish nation again until his church is finished by being filled with gentiles. That is still yet in our future even now. We know now that the Jewish nation was dispersed, (dead) buried, with a promise of being raised from the dead and saved.

Ro 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles (as opposed to the Jews who he had been speaking to since Ro 7:1. Here he speaks to the gentiles about the Jews)

Ro 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
(we are told Jesus is coming back to the Mount of Olives and enter into Jerusalem through the Eastern gate and from there going out to meet the armies that are surrounding Jerusalem and destroy them)
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's (of Israel's) sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

This make perfect sense to me.

The kingdom of God is inward for all believers in heaven and earth and cannot be observed with the eye. The kingdom of heaven is physical and earthly and is outward and the King is in a literal throne in Jerusalem when it comes. The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven is a description of this church age when both the King and his nation is absent from the earth and God is ruling in the hearts of his subjects from all over the earth and fashioning them into a family who collectively is the bride of Christ and has a heavenly inheritance as joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This kingdom of heaven has tares as well as wheat, good fish and bad fish, leaven mixed in the meal, dirty birds roosting in the mustard herb tree etc and natural men, tares among the wheat, starting denominations that Jesus calls "bundles" gathered in the last days by angels that are separate from the wheat to follow them. The wheat will be gathered into the barn (the rapture) and the bundles will be burned in the tribulation fires. The natural men cannot ever understand the mysteries of God, such as the rapture of the church and the partial blindness of Israel and the mystery of iniquity and all the mysteries that are unique to this age.

There are not two kingdoms but two aspects to the one kingdom and answers spiritually to body and soul before the regeneration of the body.

Well, excuse me for going off topic here and not even speaking much about the parables of Jesus he spoke in the few days leading up to his crucifixion but I will do that in my next post maybe. I got carried away here a little. Please understand I am not arguing with you. You are free to believe what you want to believe. My style is to say what I believe and then attempt to prove it from scriptures.