When Jesus wanted to offer a general critique, describing what he believed was wrong with the society of his day, he spoke of “this generation”. He was not referring to a particular age-group within society as we might be talk about baby-boomers or millennials. Instead, he was speaking about the whole body of people of all ages in his time and place. This was his language for talking about what is fundamentally wrong with society. Certainly, he knows that there are many exceptions, such as his own disciples. However, he is not interested in a nuanced assessment but in a blunt and sweeping prophetic critique of the general spiritual ills of his day.
In this regard, Jesus declares that his generation cannot be pleased no matter who comes speaking the truth (Matthew 11:6), that it is skeptical and obsessed with futile sign-seeking (Matthew 12:39), that it remains stubbornly unrepentant (Matthew 12:41), and will inevitably end up under greater influence of demonic powers (Matthew 12:45). He claims also that the society of this time is largely uninterested in wisdom (Luke 11:31) and will consequently reject him (Luke 17:25). It is no wonder, then, that Peter’s call on Pentecost is for his listeners to “save yourselves from this wicked generation” (Acts 2:40)!
We might start to wonder if these statements are too harsh and unfairly generalized. Were the problems that Jesus saw so ingrained in the structures, practices, and thinking of that society that he could truthfully speak so broadly?
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Let me suggest that the “days” or “generations” have been, and will always be, evil. Seeing ourselves as aliens and exiles in this world is the only way to live as Christ in any generation (1 Peter 2:11, Hebrews 11:13-16). A certain degree of detachment, and consequently an ability to see and critique the inherent corruption in the world, is necessary to escape it and for participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The followers of Jesus can not afford to be seduced and possessed by a spirit of naïveté about evil in the world. That lying spirit would make us prey once again to the corruption from which we escaped (2 Peter 2:20). As disciples of the crucified outcast, we cannot become full participants, advocates, and defenders of the status quo of any society in any age . . . for every generation is corrupt.
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:12-14
Jesus is not unmerciful, ungracious, or unloving in his assessment of his generation. Love cannot fail to speak out against what is consuming the people of God. Jesus is not condemning his fellow Jews for being within a generation they did not choose, but he is naming the stifling attitudes, which are the evil spirits, that are keeping them from life in God’s Kingdom. Jesus uses this bold and sweeping language to awaken the consciences of his hearers, and hopefully ours as well.
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