29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Jesus concluded His discussion about the end times preceding His return with a parable. Israel was often compared to a fig tree. By referring to a fig tree and all the trees Jesus may have been speaking to Israel and other nations making this more universal. Just like the budding of leaves indicates the arrival of summer, so the things of the Tribulation will let us know that the kingdom of God is near. The generation alive during the tribulation will be the ones who see the establishment of the kingdom of God and Jesus’ reign on earth, something that every Jew has longed to see. We can be sure that Christ will return because, while heaven and earth will pass away, Jesus’ words will not. All that Jesus said can be depended on.
Christ’s return is a sure thing but it does not have a date attached to it. The turmoil of the world around us might lead us to think it should be imminent. We must be ready. Despite the warnings, Jesus’ return will be sudden and will probably surprise us. But we can be ready. We must not get caught up in the cares of this life but live in light of eternity. As believers, the Rapture will ensure we escape “all these things that are going to take place”. We will escape the time of Tribulation, but we will all stand before Jesus’ Judgment Seat (2 Cor 5:10-11). If Jesus returns or you are called home today, will you be counted worthy? If you are living in light of eternity, do your priorities reflect that?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: Daniel 1-2