Expert: LEBoyd - 6/1/2007

Question
I am a skeptic with regard to things relating to the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. My skepticism is born from the scriptures themselves and it is multi-faceted in its nature. Regarding the resurrection it seems apparent that the starting point is, in fact, the actual predictions that Jesus supposedly made regarding his own death and resurrection.  Apologists seem quick to point out that Jesus predicted those events.  You are, no doubt, familiar with these.  Whether he actually predicted them or the narrative writers simply stated that he did is perhaps up to some debate. However, as is the case with many scriptural proofs for something, I find that these defenders of the faith can often ignore other scriptures within the very passage they are citing.  An example is Mark 8:31-32,and others like it, where Jesus is said to predict his own death and resurrection. However, within this scriptural context a continued reading of it brings us to Mark 9:1 where Jesus makes another prediction when he says , "I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." From the writings of Paul especially the Thessalonian epistles it is evident that this expected coming of the Kingdom with power is still viewed as an imminent event.  It was something they expected and soon. Certainly they never imagined that 2,000 years later the faithful would still be waiting. I suspect that if you are in the prediction business, and apparently Jesus was from time to time, being "right" 50% of the time is not a bad percentage. Then again, if you are the . . . and your followers say that you are the . . . Your thoughts.  

Answer
Thom,

I'm sure if I understand your questions, so my answer may be off the mark.  If so, let me know and I'll try to answer it again.

Personally, I think it is clear from 1 Cor. 15 that the death, burial and resurrection is not only considered fact bythe Apostles, but that it is paramount to Christianity.

Jesus often predicts his deaths, as you readily point out.

However, Mark 9 and Matt account is really a study of what is the definition of the kingdom.  Matt 6 (the "Lord's Prayer" as it is commonly called) in conjunction with Mark 9 are good starting points

After the Gospel books, the kingdom of God is referred to as presence tense (e.g., Acts 14).  Therefore, in my opinion, the kingdom and the church are one and the same.  Acts 2 is the account of the kingdom coming with power.

So, when Jesus says that some will not "taste death" until the kingdom comes, he was right.  There were, no doubt, many still alive after the year or two that past from this discourse.

Thess. on the other hand, is talking about the end and final judgement.  It's not the only place where the Day of the Lord is described to be coming and to be ready.  2 Pet 3:14ff comes to mind, and explains why God is patient.

So, just as the Jews were waiting for the Messiah, and grew weary of that waiting, Christians are waiting for the Day of the Lord.  Many grow weary in the waiting, and wonder if the 2,000 years mean either the Bible is wrong or misinterpreted.

I don't think so.  I think God's timetable is not the same as mine.  (see earlier in 2 Pet. 3 - verse 8).

I hope I understood what you were asking, and that this addresses your question.

LEB