“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” (Matthew 24:38-39, 44). Jesus’ illustration from history indicates limited judgment. Meaning, some survive!
How does Jesus explain it? The flood came, surprising Noah’s family (Methuselah lived 969 years. He was Noah’s grandfather. Methuselah died the year of the flood). Noah’s friends and neighbors lived as though nothing unusual would occur in their lifetime. But, some survived! (Please read 1 Peter 3:18-21) It was not a complete end-of-time event. Noah and his family were carried safely through the worldwide flood. Some will survive the catastrophic event described by Jesus.
Jesus clarified His teaching about the temple buildings when He stated: “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Mark13:30). By “this generation,” Jesus indicates the people hearing Him that day!
Jesus wouldn’t give an outof- context, “end-times” answer to the disciples’ question about temple buildings. That’s not the topic of discussion. It won’t fit the questions, nor does it fit Jesus’ answer.
An “end times” interpretation of Jesus’ teaching here doesn’t explain how some survive. The temple destruction in Jerusalem in A.D. 70 fits that context. Some survived in A.D. 70, as Jesus indicates.
Some standing there, listening to Jesus’ response, would still be alive forty years later. Please read the entire chapter.
Finally, Jesus could not possibly be teaching His disciples about the end of the world. That isn’t the context of the question, nor in Jesus’ clear statements: “There are some standing here today who will not see death until ALL THESE THINGS HAVE TAKEN PLACE!”
Have you considered your readiness for the final day which is coming? Jesus can rescue you.
Remember the words of Jesus: “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Mark 13:30). There won’t be any survivors left on Earth on that day!