The Fig Tree
The Scripture
Matthew 24:32-24:44
32“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (NIV)
Mark 13:28-33
28 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." 32 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." (NIV)
Luke 21:29-33
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near." 32"Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (NIV)
Textual Context
The story begins as Jesus and his Disciples leave for the Mount Olives to rest after a day of preaching at the Temple in Jerusalem. As they leave, at least one Disciple (Mark), or perhaps more (Matthew, Luke), bring us the impressive architecture of the Temple Buildings, specifically calling attention to the large stones. At this comment Jesus tells them that in fact, the Temple will one day be destroyed, such that none of the stones will be left standing. Later, the Disciples ask Jesus two distinct questions in reference to this statement: (1) When will this happen? (2) What will be the signs of this happening? With these questions, specifically from details in Matthew 24:3, it seems Jesus is talking of the “End Times".
Jesus begins by describing signs that will appear when the End Times commence, including the appearance of false Messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and famines. He continues to describes events where followers of Himself will be persecuted and should trust in the Holy Spirit for their defense. Jesus emphasizes, it will in fact be a very bad time. Bad enough, that if it wasn’t called short, everyone would parish. Many Believers will loose their faith during these times, but the Disciples should “double-down" on their belief's and never give up.
Jesus continues with a reference to an Old Testament Prophecy of doom and explains further the false Messiahs will perform wonders that are very convincing.
These signs and wonders will persuade many to believe in their falsehoods. Jesus is very clear, however, do not believe these signs, for when He, calling himself the Son of Man, comes back from Heaven, it will be undeniable and leave no room question He is the one true Messiah.
Parable Summary
Jesus then shares the parable, explaining we know summer is here when the fig tree, or any tree for that matter (Luke), begins to grow tender and produces leaves. He continues and says, referring to the signs described above, when you see them, you'll know the End Times are here. Stating further, this generation will see these signs before they pass away. Finally, even Heaven and Earth will pass away, but Jesus's worlds will last forever.
Textual Context
Jesus then continues to answer their second question regarding when all this will happen. With perfect clarity He states, no one knows when this will happen. Not any human, not any Angel, not even Jesus the Son of God himself knows. Only God the Father in Heaven can know when the End Times will happen.
Interpretation
In this long response, Jesus is in essence answering two simple questions: (1) When will the End Times happen? (2) What will they look like?
Very clearly, answering question one in plain wording, Jesus says no one will know when the End Times are to happen, except God the Father. In contrast, He gives many details about what the end times will in fact look like, even referencing Old Testament prophecies which give even more insight to the informed listener/reader. Jesus then seems to imply in the Parable, that just like the sprouting leaves on a plant indicate summer, the signs he has just described indicate the End Times are upon us. This seems to be a contradiction. That is, when someone
see the signs he describes, they will know the end times are here, but how is that possible if no one will know when that is? I believe this is in fact a cautionary Parable about resisting false Prophets and Messiahs, rather than the end times themselves. Jesus is emphasizing trust in His teachings until the End Times when it becomes very clear to all He has come again, cementing His message forever, with no room left for doubt. Jesus is saying, be careful not to think you "see the signs" I'm describing, because all of these things (e.g. wars, famines) will happen as a normal course of events before each of you personally dies (i.e. the current generation). The point is, one must see ALL of these signs happening to correctly predict the End Times have started. That includes the "undeniable evidence" of Jesus coming from Heaven with Angles like lightening in the sky. At that point, the End Times will be undeniable to everyone, so knowing it is the End Times will be of no use.
Notice, how Jesus warns multiples times of false Messiahs in His description of the signs, specifically saying they will be very convincing, but His followers should never give into their false teachings over Jesus’s true teachings. His teachings, or his words, will never pass away, even after the Earth and Heaven itself have passed away. That is, even after the End Times he describes, the Gospel will still reign true. As such, Jesus is saying, be very careful of any false Prophets and Messiahs and all the teachings with which they come to you claiming to know of the End Times. They don’t know, Jesus himself doesn’t even know. But Jesus can tell us with certainty this: When the End Times are here, it will be undeniable and everyone will know it.
Does an interpretation warning of false Prophets and Messiahs fit with the world we find ourselves in? 100%, yes. Extreme examples Jesus warns us against include the Branch Davidians of Waco, Texas or Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, both of which lead to mass suicide. More benign examples, while just as dangerous to the Soul, include “End Times” sermon series lasting months or an over emphasis of church teachings on moral behavior at the expense of teaching the Gospel of Jesus. The message contained in the Parable warning against false teachings is just as relevant today as it has ever been.
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