Has Jesus Returned?, Part 5

"A great many people think they are thinking when all they are doing is rearranging their prejudices."
– William James

"If merely “feeling good” could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience."
– William James

Shawn McCraney emphasizes a biblical model of Christianity that aligns with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, highlighting that the true Christian journey involves a continual decline in worldly success and self, culminating in spiritual fulfillment and authenticity. He contrasts the humble and sacrificial life of Jesus—a life marked by simplicity, rejection, and ultimate sacrifice—with contemporary perspectives that equate material success and prosperity with divine favor, advocating for a reflection of genuine Christian values.

Shawn explains that biblical descriptions of cosmic disturbances, such as the darkening of the sun and falling stars, are metaphorical language used by Hebrew writers to depict significant historical judgments and not to be taken literally as predictions of future events. He emphasizes that Jesus' use of similar imagery, as recounted in Matthew 24, mirrors this tradition and pertains to the calamity of Jerusalem's destruction rather than a global future event, highlighting that the Greek term "ge" refers specifically to the tribes of Israel rather than the entire world.

To understand Shawn's teaching, recognize that in Matthew 24, Jesus uses Hebraic language to describe the gathering of His elect, where "messengers" (angels) would rescue believers from the destruction of Jerusalem, drawing upon familiar Old Testament imagery of trumpets and assemblies to illustrate this protection amidst calamity. This interpretation highlights the historical context of Jesus' words with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, although some may view these scriptures as having futuristic applications as well.

Jesus teaches his disciples a parable of the fig tree to emphasize that just as they recognize the nearness of summer by observing the tree's leaves, they should also recognize that the events he foretold, including the judgment upon Judah and his return, are imminent by observing the signs he describes. He stresses that within their generation, all these things will be fulfilled, affirming the reliability of his words despite various interpretations and doubts about his prophecy's accuracy.

Shawn refutes C.S. Lewis's claim that Jesus's prophecy in Matthew 24:34 is the Bible's most embarrassing verse, arguing instead that Jesus's words were fulfilled within the same generation and that misconceptions have led to the erroneous belief that the prophecy was incorrect. Shawn insists that Jesus's predicted events occurred as described, and calls for pastors and churches to acknowledge this fulfillment to end misguided interpretations, while encouraging Christians to focus on readiness for a personal meeting with Christ rather than eschatological expectations.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes that the second coming of Jesus and the concept of rapture have limited application to believers, as each person experiences their own "rapture" at the moment of their death, where they are judged and receive a resurrected body. This perspective highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and living a life of faith, preparing for the moment of individual transition rather than expecting a collective physical return of Jesus.