The parable of the fig tree is the next scripture in Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33. I like Luke's inspired accounting!
Luke 21:29-33: And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
The kingdom of God Luke is speaking of is the time in the messianic kingdom when the literal physical kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews is coexisting with the literal physical kingdom of God of the Gentiles. Please see Luke 13:28-30 and Zechariah 8:20-23. During this dispensation of the grace of God, the kingdom of God of which we are part of through being “in Christ” by believing through faith in His finished work on Calvary, and death, and resurrection for our salvation, is a spiritual kingdom consisting of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Please see Romans 14:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50.
“This generation” means the generation of Daniel's 70th week and the 2nd Advent, not the current audience to whom Jesus is speaking. We will unpack the issue of “all the trees” next week.
There are three agricultural illustrations God uses in the Bible to explain His relationship with Israel:
The Olive Tree which represents the spiritual life of Israel. It is her “standing” before God. He has an everlasting covenant with His chosen people. The millennial government of Messiah King Jesus will last forever! Please see Isaiah 9:6-7. Genesis 8:11 illustrates that God will save the remnant of Israel and bring them through the cataclysmic event of the tribulation just as He brought Noah and his family through the global flood. The olive leaf brought to Noah by the dove signified that the flood waters had abated. Please see 1 Peter 3:18-20. The eight souls saved picture how few will make it through the tribulation. Romans 11:25-27 and Zechariah 13:8-9 clearly teach how few will be left at the end of the tribulation to enter the kingdom.
The two olive trees of Zechariah 4:11-14 represent the law and the prophets – Moses and Elijah who met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-4. They will also be the two witnesses in the tribulation...Revelation 11:3-6.
The Fig Tree which represents the national / physical life of Israel. Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, Luke 21:29-33
The Vine which represents the spiritual life of Israel and the One who sustains her. Psalm 80:8-11, John 15:1-5
We will examine the fig tree and the vine this coming Sunday! It will be a great time of study.
