Dr. Bradford Reaves
CrossWay Christian Fellowship
Hagerstown, MD
www.mycrossway.org
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (Matthew 24:32–36)
Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day, his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley so that one-half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (Zechariah 14:1–5)
The greatest hope we are given from the Lord Jesus Christ is his imminent; the Second Coming. I know of no greater topic that I can preach to you than on the return of our Lord as Eternal King. There is coming a day when that will be made reality and we are commanded as believers to be living lives that expectantly await his return.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)
The expectancy of Christ’s return is not new to our or recent generations. In fact, in the very gospels, we find that the disciples themselves were eagerly awaiting Christ’s return before he even made his departure. The theme of Christ’s Second Coming fills the New Testament. It is when our bodies will be redeemed in the fullness of our salvation. It is when we will witness the final and great defeat of Satan and all that is evil. It is a real event foretold by the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that will happen as personally and historically as His first coming and with just as far-reaching and glorious impact.
The reality of his return was also a common topic in Jesus’ ministry. Nowhere do we find a more fascinating work on the topic than by the Lord himself in what we call the Mt Olivet Discourse. It is recorded by Matthew and Mark and Luke because of its tremendous importance. Today we’re looking at a parable within the discourse regarding the fig tree. However, to fully appreciate the context of the parable, we have to understand why Jesus tells the parable. It is on the Mt of Olives that Jesus is giving this lesson. Interestingly, it is the very spot where Zechariah tells us he will make his physical return.
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no o
So the disciples ask him two questions: when will it be, and what will be the signs? Interestingly, Jesus answers those questions in reverse order. He gives the signs And then he answers the question as to when. And these are the signs that we, as believers today, are to be watching. Today, we are seeing foreshadows of many of these signs that will happen in rapid-fire succession. We call those signs birthing pains.
Signs
One of the main signs Jesus warns his disciples about is what we call the abomination that causes desolation. We know this to be when the Antichrist sets up his throne on the temple mount in the temple. We know from our study of the prophet Daniel and the book of Revelation that this happens at the midway point of what is known as the Great Tribulation, a seven-year. After the church is raptured when the Antichrist has global leadership. We can see this Antichrist system being set up before our eyes today. This gives us confirmation that the Rapture of the Church is happening imminently.
But, a parallel question that stands in the minds of God's people just as much as “what” is the question of when. Matthew 24:36: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Even though we may not know the day or the hour, Jesus gives us clear signs of the season. This is the parable we find ourselves looking at today. Matthew 24:32
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. (Matthew 24:32)
Parables unexplained hid the truth; parables explained made the truth clear. When Jesus gave a parable to the multitude or to the religious leaders and never explained it, it was a riddle to them. When He gave it to the disciples and explained it, it was an illustration that made things clearer. They are uncomplicated analogies to illustrate a simple truth. The Parable of the Fig Tree is no exception I want you to see four elements as we go through the parable.
A Simple Analogy
It is a simple analogy of the fig tree, and it is something that all the disciples could easily understand because they are a common tree in Israel. In fact, on this very day in the morning, according to Matthew 21:18-22, Jesus had already taught them one lesson from a fig tree when he found a fig tree with leaves and no fruit, and He taught them lessons about barrenness and lessons about prayer off of that fig tree. The fig tree is a common prophetic analogy of Israel, as we can see in Jeremiah, Hosea, and Joel.
But Jesus wants the disciples to see the spiritual significance of the parable, so he says, “Learn this lesson.” In other words, don’t just hear what I’m saying, but hold this lesson deep in your heart and grasp its significance. Here is the significance, “When its branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” Now, nobody can misunderstand that. When you see a fig tree put forth leaves, you know summer is near. What does that mean? It’s time for fruit and harvest.
The tree will give you a calculous as to the time of year. If it is barren, it is winter. If the leaves are just starting to appear, it is spring. As the flowers come forth and the leaves are full, you know it is summer. Summer for the fig tree was the time of harvest. Harvest in the Bible is regularly referred to as a time of judgment. He separates the good from the bad. Even at his baptism, John the Baptist referred to this judgment through fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)
"If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." (John 15:6)
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Mt 9:35–38)
Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13:30)
Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, (Matthew 13:40–41)
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (Luke 21:31)
So what He is saying is that when you see all the birth pains and all the signs, you know that the end is near. And then, in verse 34, He says: “Truly I say to you” (in other words, he’s added greater emphasis to this whole statement), “this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” Now, you will probably ask, “What generation is He talking about?”
Here are some of the options. 1. Some suggest that this generation refers directly to the disciples. Obviously, that did not happen.
2. It refers to the disciples, but the fulfillment He’s talking about was the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. That view is also unacceptable because you cannot confuse the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Obviously, Jesus did not return after the destruction of Jerusalem, and the antichrist did not set up his global beast system. Nor were there the great signs mentioned in the prophets and in Revelation.
3. It refers to the Jewish race. “This genea,” could refer a race of people, that’s true. He’s saying, “This generation of Jews, this Jewish people, will not die until all these things come to pass.” He doesn’t say “Israel,” but rather, he is speaking generationally. I think He would have said, “My people shall not pass away till all these things are fulfilled.”
4. The fig tree is Israel, and when it puts forth its leaves, it is at the statehood of Israel in 1948. The coming of Israel in 1948 introduced to the world all the birthing pains we are witnessing today. The increase in Earthquakes, the rise of antisemitism, the emergence of apostasy in the Church, the increase in famines and pestilences, global wars, and spiritual deceptions. All of these things show a sharp increase in occurrence around 1948 and have increased in frequency and intensity since then.
The unmistakable application is when you see all these signs, this generation will not pass away before he returns. What is all these things? All the signs Jesus has listed:
Spiritual Deception
Spiritual Deception started in the Garden of Eden and has continued through the centuries until the present day. However, there has never been a time when Spiritual Deception was more rampant than today. Falsifications of the Christian faith are increasing in the last days in preparation for the coming false Christ and false prophet who will deceive the world on a never-before-seen scale.
And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. (Luke 21:8)
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:22–23)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
False Christs
Some doctrines and religions claim to be Christian and believe in Jesus but have fabricated a false Christ. False Christ can also be alternative Saviors that present themselves as being superior to Jesus Christ. Money, authority, entertainment, nationalism, the prosperity gospel, etc. The apostasy of the Church has increased the frequency we see the false Christ in the church.
?But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. (Revelation 2:20)
‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15–16)
Wars
War has been a part of human history since the beginning of mankind. However, the number of wars being fought and the intensity and destruction with which they are being waged has increased greatly. The threat of war has also increased. At least nine nations now have nuclear weapons, and as many as 35 have weapons of mass destruction. Since 1948, there have also been around 50 wars between countries in which a thousand or more people died.
And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Mark 13:7–8)
Famines
Food shortages in a population can be caused by many factors, including drought, population explosion, climate changes, natural disasters, war, and difficulties with the distribution of food, to name a few. During the 20th Century an estimated 70 million people died from famines across the world. A 2007 government report estimated that approximately 40% of the world’s agricultural land is seriously degraded. The UN suggests if current trends of soil degradation continue in Africa, the continent might be able to feed just 25% of its population next year.
Pestilences
The Greek word loimos can refer to pestilence, plague, or pandemic. Until around 1900, epidemics did not affect the entire world's population. The Black Plague, for example, devastated Europe, but not every population center on earth. Since 1900, well over 750 million people have died from the top 10 infectious diseases alone. AIDS has already killed over 25 million people since 1970, and an estimated 70 million more could die in the next 15 years. AIDS also has no cure. Infectious diseases like AIDS, Cholera, Influenza, Typhus, Smallpox, Measles, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Malaria, Yellow Fever, SARS, and Avian Flu are threatening. It is reported that more than 7 million people have died from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earthquakes
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)
The US Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center releases detailed reports about the number and size of all earthquakes worldwide yearly.
1948 - 550
1990 – 16,590
2000 – 22,256
2005 – 30,198
2010 – 26,312
2020 - 190,204
Apostasy
Apostasy is a willful departing or desertion from one’s religion, faith, or principles. Apostasy is the rejection of Christ by one who has claimed to be a follower of Christ (II Thess. 2:3). Never in the world has the average Christian’s faith been colder. Studies show 88% of college students raised in the Christian faith are leaving the church. As late as 1991, 50% of Americans claimed to attend religious services regularly. By 2010 the average had dropped to around 35% and is trending lower yearly.
And because lawlessness will increase, many's love will grow cold.(Matthew 24:12)
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1–3)
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:1–4)
The significance of these signs cannot be overstated. They are not mere celestial phenomena but indicators of God's unfolding plan for humanity and the world. They are divine signals of the impending return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the consummation of His kingdom. They are cosmic reminders that God is in control and that His purposes will be accomplished.
“Our world is not as it should be: We should be longing for the day when God will set all things right. It means trusting in God's promises, even when we do not fully understand them. It means striving to live according to God's commands, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. It means keeping watch, as Jesus instructed, and living each day as if it could be the day of the Lord's return.
More than a future event to look forward to: It’s a reality that should shape our lives here and now. The signs in the sky and the events they signify are not meant to scare us, but to spur us on to faithfulness and perseverance. They remind us that our hope is not in this world, but in the coming kingdom of God. They assure us that no matter how dark the world may seem, the light of God's glory will ultimately shine through.” (Sermon Central, Signs in the Sky)
Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” That is an unchanging authority. And He closes the parable with an unchanging authority. “My Word shall not pass away.” He said not one jot or tittle in Matthew 5:18 will pass away until all is fulfilled. In John 10:35, He said Scripture cannot be broken. And so if we believe the Word of God, we believe this is going to happen, and it is going to happen. And the question for you is: “Are you ready?”
