32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:32-35 KJV)
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree”. It means learn to observe and understand the events of the times, compare them with the Word, and prepare accordingly. Just as a fig tree’s budding predicts summer, so do the signs of the times indicate God’s unfolding plan. He also said, “… when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near… (Mt 24:33)” He does not specify what ‘it’ is, but in Luke 21:31, it is called ‘the kingdom of God’.
Christ did not specify the day and the time of the end – in this chapter, the end refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and Jesus’ second coming. But by the parable of the fig tree, he means that when we see the signs – false prophets, wars, famine, earthquakes, false messiahs, many people apostatizing – we can be sure that the end is near or soon to happen.
Christ assures us that what he said will come to pass by saying, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mt 24:35). The Word of Christ is more enduring than the world itself. The fulfillment of these prophecies may seem delayed, but His Word remains sure. Though not always fulfilled as we expect, it will come to pass in God’s perfect time.
Christ also said, “This generation will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled” (Mt 24:34). Some alive then would see the signs and Jerusalem’s destruction and the end of the Jewish system. But regarding “that day and hour” of Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age, no one knows except the Father (Mt 24:36). Many generations would pass before that final day. This uncertainty serves as a warning, encouraging the watchful while allowing the careless to remain indifferent.
The historian Eusebius noted, “Anyone who compares the words of our Savior with those of Josephus regarding the Jewish wars cannot help but marvel at Christ’s wisdom and acknowledge His predictions as divine.” The Gospels, which contain this prophecy, were already in circulation well before the siege of Jerusalem. Believing Jesus’ words, the Christians fled Judea and were spared (Luke 21:20-21). Most of the evangelists—and likely all the apostles except John—did not live to see this astonishing prophecy fulfilled. Some aspects of this prophecy, not explicitly detailed here, continue to unfold even today (Luke 21:24).