As we continue in the parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, we continue to learn about parables and allegories, this week is no exception. The parable of the Good Fig Tree is captured in synoptic gospels as follows.
32 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. – Matthew 24:32-36 NLT
29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. – Luke 21:29-33 NLT
28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. – Mark 13:28-32 NLT
After reading those 3 accounts, what is the meaning of the parable? How does that relate to “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”?
As we have learned, when we read sections in the Bible, we need to put the information into context and learn who is involved, what is the situation and is there a bigger story. These parables are no different. If we just take the three parables as is, they can be confusing and yet another part of the Bible that we just skip over. (I will give a hint: it matters if we skip over the teachings of Jesus.)
Just before the telling of the Good Fig Tree parable, Jesus has been discussing issues concerning his return to earth, when the final judgement of all of humanity will take place and all things will be restored and renewed.
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
13 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Signs of the End of the Age
3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 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.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Abomination of Desolation
14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. – Mark 13:1-27
These discussions were about things during his last days in Jerusalem, a time leading up to his death on the cross. Jesus particularly emphasizes the difficulties of the last times, which began when he ascended to heaven (after his resurrection) and continue today. Jesus also stresses that no one will be able to predict the day of his return.
In light of all this, what’s the purpose of the parable of the good fig tree?
Knowing the difference in a parable and a allegory, what are some parts of the parables captured that could distract a common reader from getting the parable?
What do the branches extending out signify about the season we are living in? What is God doing in this period? (consider Luke 13-6-9 or last weeks session on The Struggling Tree.
When Jesus refers to the generation not passing awa until these things have taken place, he is referring to the era before God’s Kingdom is fully established – that is, he is talking about the generation we are currently living in.
30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. – Mark 13:30 ESV
In light of this, what is the significance of Jesus’ parables in general?
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. – Mark 13:31 ESV
What does this session teach us about how to live between now and when he returns?