When was this Figtree parable/metaphor given by Jesus? It is important to look at the context of when it was delivered by Jesus. Jesus commanded us to learn from this parable, He told this parable (Matthew 24:32-35 & Mark 11:14) on the same day when the disciples came to Jesus asking about the signs of the end of the age. Jesus said, learn the parable of the fig tree. He was talking about the withered tree that Jesus had cursed the previous day. Israel was the fig tree that was withered by Jesus. Hence the following Scripture is extremely important as it relates to the rebirth of Israel as a Key end-times sign.
In this video Nelson Walters does a great job of setting the scene, giving us the context for this important end-times prophecy.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35
Jesus thought this teaching was so important that He commanded his followers to learn this parable and what its interpretation meant. It was the only time in scripture that He gave His followers that command.
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near — at the door! I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.Matthew 24:32-35
The parable explains what Christians can know about Jesus’s return and what they can’t. In terms of what we can know, Jesus told us that when something known as the “fig tree” sprouts leaves, we can know that “summer” is near. And when Christians see all the things take place that He spoke of previously in Matthew 24, (deception, war, famine, etc.) then they can know that the end of the age is very near – right at the door. Those are the two things that Christians can know. Christians can’t know the exact day or hour of Jesus’ return. But believers can know if they are part of the generation that will see Him coming. They can know if they are in the last days by the signs he has given us.
The Olivet discourse recorded in Matthew 24 and 25 was an answer to the question of disciples which was, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Jesus was asked about signs by which they could see and know it was the last days. He then gave signs. He also purposely gave those signs in chronological order so that the final generation could recognize them. He then instructed believers to be watchful. He also said that no one knows the exact day or hour, but He does tell us we can know the season.
The Apostle Paul also confirmed this: For you, yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night … But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief … therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6) Paul instructs us that true believers will not be surprised by the season of Jesus’ return because they’ll be awake and watching.
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