Mark 13:30

This generation would see these events happen. That generation did see the destruction of Jerusalem. However, people who believe that all these things includes the coming of the Son of Man must understand this generation in another way, not simply as the people living at that time.

Some think it refers to the Jewish people continuing to exist through history. Others believe it means the whole human race, the Christian community, or the final generation living at the end of the age.

This passage contains the lesson (literally parable) of the fig tree (13:28–30) and two sayings (13:30–31). It is closely connected to 13:4–23 by the words "these things" in 13:4 and "when you see" in 13:29 (compare 13:14).

This passage brings to a conclusion the section begun at 11:1. Israel did not produce spiritual fruit (11:12–26; 12:38–40). Its leaders were opposed to God's chosen one, the Christ (11:1–11, 27–33; 12:13–17, 18–27). This would result in judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.