A Problem

I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. [Matthew 24.34]

Jesus predicted some pretty intense events prior to making this statement.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke, of the four Gospels, all record this declaration of Jesus'.

Now, what does it mean?  As we understand the word 'generation', we are left to conclude that something is awry as a generation typically is one tier level of life (as parents are one generation and children are the next).  No doubt, the generation who heard this statement from Jesus is long past gone.

But then, perhaps the understanding of the word 'generation' is not the key, but the interpretation of the words 'these things'.  If we could say for sure what Jesus was referring to when saying "these things" then we could definitively call "foul" on Jesus' prediction here.

What disturbs me is that when I read respected commentaries on this topic (by well-educated and, supposedly in-the-know, individuals or groups of individuals), the solution to this prediction problem seems to be presented simply and matter-of-factly with no reason for alarm.  The disturbing thing is that if the Bible does not stand on its own reference, and requires outside explanation, then why is not the outside explanation more revered and holy than the Bible?

I will be able to make no conclusions here today as I really have no idea what to do with this problem as I see it...

Father, I am asking You today to enlighten me in regards to Jesus' words about events that were about to happen...