Parable of the Fig Tree
Matthew 24:32-35
Introduction
In order for us to fully understand this parable in Matthew 24, we really need to look at the context in which Jesus spoke it
In Matthew 24, Jesus had left the temple and was walking with His disciples
As they are walking, Jesus begins to prepare them for what will take place in future events
He gives them a discourse about how nothing they see around them will be standing in the end
Of course, this prompts the disciples to ask two questions about this discourse
When will all this happen? What will be the sign of your coming?
We will examine Jesus’ answer to these questions as we look at this parable
Read Matt 24:32-35 / Pray
Many throughout history have been asking these same questions about the return of Christ
When will all this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?
Question: Is it possible that Jesus could come in our lifetime?
Not only possible but very probable
Let’s examine this together as we first look at…
1. THE ELEMENTS
Fig Tree – this is the hotbed of where it will all take place – Israel
Twigs – are the representation of the Jews around the world
Leaves bloom – is a representation of the Jews returning to their homeland
These things – what Jesus talks about in vs 4 – 31
It is near – Jesus is answering the two questions about his coming and the end
This generation – talking about a whole multitude living at the same time
All these things – again Jesus tells us in vs 4 – 31
These are the elements that Jesus is using to tell His disciples…to answer their questions in vs 3
Trans: Now let’s look at this a little closer as we examine
2. THE FIG TREE
Jesus uses the “fig tree” as the nation of Israel and the leaves are a reference to the people of Israel or the Jews
Draw a parallel to this use of fig leaves all the way back to Adam and Eve
In Gen 3:7, it tells us that when Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened and they tried to cover their nakedness by sewing fig leaves together
Under the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was under THE LAW and they were covered under the Old Covenant…the Jews…the chosen of God
Notice I said they were “covered” just like Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves
The same was true of the nation of Israel constantly trying to cover themselves after they would fall into sin and apply the law
Now notice that when God came to Adam and Eve and saw their sin, the fig leaves were not enough
He made garments of skin and clothed them
This was the first shedding of blood to cover the sin of man…notice also the garments of skin represent God placing His covering on them
So the nation of Israel is God’s chosen…but what’s their standing with God?
Before, they were covered under the OT but now they must accept the New Covenant of Jesus and be clothed in His righteousness
The nation of Israel as it was under the OT is no longer alive…it’s no longer acceptable as it is
Why? Because of Jesus and His sacrifice…the NT or New Covenant
This is illustrated in Matthew 21:18-19 (turn there)
The old nation of Israel was cursed to die and will not be born as they were before
The Jews today are not in a right standing with God unless they have put on the garment of righteousness
But we know the bible tells us that one day…that the Jewish nation will be made right with God again in the end but not as they were in the OT
So that brings us to modern day – The fig tree is Israel – the nation – the hotbed of what’s to come
When Jesus references the leaves coming out, this is a direct correlation as to the nation of Israel coming to life again
In May 1948, the people known as Jews, were brought together to form a nation known as Israel
Once they were recognized as a nation, then the people of Jewish descent began to make their way to this nation
The fig tree that was once dead, has now began to sprout leaves…the Jewish people
It has now taken root and has begun to produce again…are you with me so far?
When you see this take place, you know that the time is near
What time? The time of His coming and the end
It is right at the door…Jesus is at the door…He is just waiting for God to open it for His return again
Trans: SO then, Jesus tells us something about…
3. THIS GENERATION
Jesus said “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
Generation – literally means – “fathered, birthed, men of the same stock”
What things? Again He is referencing back to vs 4-31
Many false Christ’s; Wars and Rumors of wars; nation against nation; famines; earthquakes…all are the beginning of birth pains
What generation is He referring to? Men throughout the ages have surely thought that their generation would see His coming
Jesus is referring to the generation in the context of which he just spoke
The generation that is the fig tree that begins to bloom…
Let me give you my take on this….and let me remind you what Jesus said in vs 36 of our passage
“No man knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
So, no one knows the day or hour but we can know by the season…signs of the times
May 1948, the nation of Israel is born and of course, a new generation was birthed literally with new born children
The bible tells us in Psalm 90 that the number of man’s days is basically threescore and ten or 70 years.
There is a generation of the new nation of Israel that was born in 1948…those people today are 64 years old
The lifespan of a typical man is 70 years…in 2018 this generation will be that age
But if we look further at Psalm 90:10, it goes on to say that a man’s life could be fourscore or 80 years and then it will be cutoff
So here is my take…possibly, possibly, we could be seeing the return of Christ very soon…possibly between 2018 – 2028
Notice I said possibly…no man knows the date but we can discern the times.
4. APPLICATION
What should we take from this today? Well first
a. The time is drawing near – what are the signs?
1. Earthquakes in divers places
2. Wars; famines; pestilences
3. Vs 9 – Christians will be hated by all nations (#1 hostile religion people are against)
4. False prophets
5. Love of most has grown cold
What is left that should happen? The gospel preached to the whole world
This is possible today via technology…able to reach out to everywhere
Daniel 12:4 “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased”
Think of the knowledge explosion of today – everything at your fingertips literally via the internet or smart phone
Think about up until the last 100 years…man walked, sailed or rode a horse but the 20th Century saw man in automobiles, planes, jets, and space craft
Knowledge of things used to be hard to find…now at the push of a button it is instantly before us
Global communication is now instantaneous
Skyping with my girls on father’s day
The knowledge explosion has been going on for more than 100 years and is only increasing and you’d have to be blind not to see it
Vs 37 tells us that as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Man
People discarded the warning – didn’t believe a flood was coming – same is true today
Look at vs 39
The bible says this will all lead to Jesus’ explosion onto the end time’s scene
What are you and I to do? Let me ask, how many are waiting for Christ return?
The bible says nothing about waiting but WATCHING
Look at vs 42 “therefore keep WATCH…” which literally means “wake up”
Vs 44 “be ready…because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him”
1 Thes 5:4-6 “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.”
Jesus said the same thing in vs 43 about a thief…he shouldn’t catch us off-guard
Vs 46 tells us to keep doing what God has called us until He returns
Conclusion
Jesus uses this parable here in telling his disciples that when these things happen, the end is drawing near
The beginning of birth pains – the earth and nature are groaning today waiting to be birthed and set free from sin
He could come today…or tomorrow…rest assured He will come…and it could be soon
Let us not be caught off guard…let us be awake…watching for his return…yet busy doing His will so that he returns seeing us doing what He has told us to
Pray
