The Parable of the Fig Tree is a parable told by Jesus in the New Testament. It is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The parable has significance and meaning in relation to Jesus’ predictions about the end times and his second coming.
The Parable
The Parable of the Fig Tree is as follows:
“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. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” (Matthew 24:32-33)
“And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:29-31)
“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. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” (Mark 13:28-29)
In this parable, Jesus uses the fig tree as an illustration. He says that when you see the fig tree putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. He then compares this to the signs of the end times, saying that when you see these signs, you know his return is near.
Context of the Parable
To understand the Parable of the Fig Tree, it’s important to understand the context in which Jesus told it.
In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus discusses at length the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times. His disciples ask him for the signs that will indicate the temple’s destruction and Jesus’ second coming.
Jesus warns them that there will be false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution. He describes these events as the “beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). However, he also says no one knows the exact day or hour when he will return – only the Father knows (Matthew 24:36).
After giving this lengthy discussion of the end times, Jesus then tells the Parable of the Fig Tree. He uses this parable to summarize and illustrate his teaching about his second coming. Just as you can tell summer is near when the fig tree buds leaves, you will know Jesus’ return is near when you see the end times signs occur.
Meaning and Significance
The Parable of the Fig Tree has several layers of meaning and significance for Jesus’ followers, both then and now.
A Call to Alertness and Readiness
First, Jesus uses the parable to call his disciples to be alert and ready for his return, which will come suddenly. When the fig leaves appear, summer is imminent. There will be no delays once the signs appear.
Similarly, for Jesus’ followers, his return will follow quickly on the heels of wars, natural disasters, persecution, apostasy, and tribulation. There will be no time to spare. Believers must remain watchful and prepared.
A Lesson About Discerning the Time
The parable also provides Jesus’ followers with a lesson about observing and accurately interpreting the signs of the times. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees elsewhere as able to predict the weather but not the signs of the times (Matthew 16:2-3).
With this parable, Jesus explains even something as simple as a fig tree can help his followers discern the spiritual time and season. They must be discerning about correctly comprehending the meaning of the events and signs around them.
A Promise to the Disciples
Additionally, this parable functions as a specific promise and reassurance to Jesus’ disciples who were with him at that time. He promises them that the end times events will happen within a generation (Matthew 24:34). The budding of the fig tree signals to that generation that his words will shortly come to pass.
While scholars debate whether Jesus had in mind the destruction of Jerusalem or his second coming, the point for his disciples was that they could look for that fulfillment soon. The signs would be clearly visible and God’s plan would be fulfilled.
A General Principle
Beyond the immediate context, the parable establishes a general principle and pattern concerning God’s activity and the interpretation of signs.
Just as buds on a tree signal the changing of the seasons, the various signs Jesus described would signal His intervention into human history. This principle can apply broadly, beyond just the specific end times events.
The Fig Tree Itself
Beyond the overall meaning of the parable, there may be significance to the specific use of the fig tree.
Connection to the Garden of Eden
Some commentators note the fig tree echoes back to Eden itself. It was with the leaves of the fig tree that Adam and Eve tried to cover their shame after the Fall (Genesis 3:7). The return of Christ brings restoration and a reversal of the curse of Genesis 3.
Symbol of Israel
The fig tree can also represent Israel itself. Jesus elsewhere curses a fig tree and causes it to wither as a symbol of Israel’s spiritual blindness and fruitlessness (Matthew 21:18-22). The budding fig tree in this parable may signal Israel’s spiritual awakening as part of the end times.
Symbol of Prosperity and Peace
Fig trees were common in Israel and a sign of prosperity and peace. Their good harvest brought joy. Some commentators connect this peaceful setting of the parable with the millennial kingdom brought about by Christ’s return. The budding fig tree signals the Advent brings the fullness of the kingdom.
Questions Raised by the Parable
Like many of Jesus’ parables, this one raises many additional questions.
Has the Fig Tree Budded?
Some believe the re-establishment of Israel as a modern state in 1948 was a definitive sign of the fig tree budding again. However, since Jesus said no one can predict the day or hour of his return, it is difficult to draw definite conclusions here. The parable remains open to various interpretations.
How Should We Understand the Timing?
There is also much debate around whether Jesus meant his prophecies to apply specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 or to the end times. Again, we likely cannot be dogmatic in separating the two events entirely.
What Does This Mean for Future Generations?
A question also arises around what this parable means for the generations after Jesus’ initial audience. Must every generation live in constant expectation and watchfulness that Jesus’ return could happen at any moment? Or was Jesus speaking primarily to those alive during his earthly ministry? Scholars give differing opinions on how imminent and pressing Jesus’ return should feel across generations.
Conclusion
In summary, the Parable of the Fig Tree is rich in meaning. By using the fig tree’s growth cycle, Jesus reinforces the need for alertness, watchfulness, and proper discernment of the signs of the times. He promises his return will follow quickly upon the heels of those signs being fulfilled. And he gives hope that the troubles of this age will ultimately give way to the fullness of his everlasting kingdom. Like many of Jesus’ parables, the meaning continues to unfold for believers in every generation.