Parable of the Fig Tree: Matthew 24:32-35
““32) Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33) so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 25) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35
Jesus now gives the parable of the fig tree. You can tell summer is near by watching the trees bud, produce leaves and develop fruit. It is a sign that a new season is coming.
So also will be the coming of Jesus. All the birth pangs of Matthew 24:4-28 will begin to line up. The big difference according to Matthew 24:34 will be that the signs will span a full generation.
Some define a generation as forty years. I’m more inclined to look at a full life span. That could look more like eighty to one hundred and twenty years. Many Bible scholars believe the clock began ticking in earnest when Israel became a nation back in 1948. I’m definitely not one to set dates, but it’s amazing how many end time prophecies have lined up since since that notable event.
One prophecy that is especially interesting in found in Revelation 9:16 and 16:12. An army from the east with two hundred million soldiers will March toward Jerusalem. That was absolutely impossible in any other generation, because historically, no nation could field an army with anything close to those numbers. For the first time in human history that is now possible with China, and it is starting to rattle the saber. This explosion of world population has happened in the generation since Israel became a nation.
Finally, Jesus emphasizes the fact Gods Word will come to pass and not fail. Verse 35 says that the existence of heaven and earth are not as secure as Gods Word is dependable. It is easier for them to pass away than for Gods Word to fail. No other generation in history has seen the fig tree of prophecy blossom like this generation.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
