Study Desk

Now as the crowds were increasing [in number], He began to say, "This [present] generation is a wicked generation; it seeks a sign (attesting miracle), but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah [the prophet].

"For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man also be [a sign] to this generation.

"The Queen of the South (the kingdom of Sheba) will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and look, something greater than Solomon is here.

"The men of Nineveh will stand up [as witnesses] at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and look, something greater than Jonah is here.

so that charges may be brought against this generation [holding them responsible] for the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world,

from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah [the priest], who was murdered between the altar and the house of God. Yes, I tell you, charges will be brought against this generation.'

"But first He must suffer many things and be repudiated and rejected and considered unfit [to be the Messiah] by this [unbelieving] generation.

"I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place.

And Peter solemnly testified and continued to admonish and urge them with many more words, saying, "Be saved from this crooked and unjust generation!"

"THEREFORE I WAS ANGERED WITH THIS GENERATION, AND I SAID, 'THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS [nor become progressively better and more intimately acquainted with them]';