The Parable of the Fig Tree
Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33
Late in the afternoon
on Wednesday the thirteenth of Nisan
The one main point of the parable of the fig tree is just as the blossoming fig tree means that summer is just around the corner; in the same way, when the abomination that causes desolation occurs, then Messiah’s return will be near.
After a lengthy discourse about the end times, Jesus used some parables to help the twelve apostles better understand the coming events. Messiah told them this parable: Now learn this lesson from the fig tree and all the trees (Luke 21:29). The fig tree is used here as a simple, uncomplicated illustration – not a symbol for Isra’el. When Luke added the phrase, and all the trees, he probably added this for his Gentile audience, who may not have been as familiar with fig trees as Yeshua’s Jewish audience.1339
As soon as their twigs get tender and their leaves come out, you know for yourselves that summer is near (Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 21:30). The fruit is plentiful in the summer months in Isra’el, so the first sign of flowering in the spring during the week of Passover and Unleavened Bread is an accurate indicator that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things happening, you know that He and His Kingdom are near, right at the door (Matthew 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:31). This should not be taken as a date-setting passage. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have set dates for the return of the Lord several times without success. Harold Camping, and Family Radio out of Oakland, California said that the Second Coming would occur on Saturday May 21, 2011. But what is it that signals the return of the Meshiach is just around the corner? In exactly 1,260 days (Revelation 11:2-3) after the abomination that causes desolation (Matthew 24:15) the Anointed One will return as the lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).
Truly I tell you, this generation, the Jews at the end of the Great Tribulation, will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32). This verse is intended to be a word of comfort in light of the worldwide persecution of the Jews. This will be Satan’s and the antichrist’s final attempt to exterminate Isra’el, Hitler’s “final solution,” if you will. The fact that the Jewish generation will still be here when the Second Coming of Messiah occurs shows that the Adversary’s attempt toward Jewish annihilation will fail.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away (Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33). This should comfort all believers in every age. The ancient serpent’s program of Jewish destruction is doomed.
Leave A Comment