Why did Jesus promise to return within the lifetimes of those around him and then did not?

Question

Bryan: That's not what I mean, dude and knock off the rude comments. Grow up.

I mean Mtthew 16:
16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Answer 1

There is some debate as to what Jesus meant by the term "this generation" Was "this" referring to the people listening to him, or the generation that would get to see the signs that he was describing?

Answer 2

Mark 16:9-13

Answer 3

He never promised to return permanently within their lifetimes; they simply assumed this. Until John received the Revelation from Jesus, many believers thought it would be very soon. However, careful study of Jesus' words while on earth, together with His statements to John in Revelation, make it clear His return was, in human terms, quite a number of years away.

As several have pointed out, He did return (temporarily) after His resurrection. And He will return again in the future. Are you ready?

Answer 4

The disciples were sure he would return in their lifetimes it did not happen, so someone came up with the idea that it must be that he meant the first millennium, and that didn't happen either, so again someone came up with well it had to be the second millennium, and that didn't happen either, so now we wait for another thousand years to see if his return will be the third millennium, mans inability to use his common sense is simply incomprehensible, I just wonder when they will come to realize dead people do not come back to life they simply quit to exist, and if there is going to be a return it will be our creator not a dead man.

Answer 5

The entire passage refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and the establishment of the Church at Pentecost (Book of Acts). The establishment of the Church heralded the coming of Christ's kingdom. His kingdom is the church. That generation did see the coming of the kingdom. Also saw the destruction of Jerusalem about 70 years later.

Answer 6

Hi 6000,

The reference you refer to is realted to the doctorine of translation. It is apparent that on a previous occasion, of which we have no present scriptural record, Jesus taught his disciples the truths about the doctrine of translation and promised that some of them would continue to live on earth until his Second Coming.

John the Beloved is the only known one of those disciples who has continued to live without tasting death. (John 21:20-24.) Until the identity of any others is revealed, we have no way of knowing who they are or what mission they have been able to perform because of their translation.

It is prophicy yet to be fulfilled.

Answer 7

He did, for 40 days after his resurection... the Kingdom of God came with him. It is not the Parusia as you might expect, which is yet to come... but He did come back and will do so again for a final time in the near future.

Answer 8

Did you ever hear the theory that his death was faked, and he was revived later by his followers? plays into the scheme that he and Mary Magdalene went to France to start a new life, and even had a child named Sarah.

Answer 9

He simply promised to return. Jesus said himself that only the Father knew the hour. You are mistaken.

-Aztec276

Answer 10

Actually the word used in context meant that mankind wouldn't pass away, not that particular generation. It's one of the confusing things that can happen when you translate something.