Luke 21:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similar to how a fig tree in full leaf heralds the arrival of summer, the emergence of these signs and the alteration of the cosmos serve as indicators that the 'summer' is near, meaning the kingdom of God, which arrives for the faithful as a season of warmth following a time of cold and turmoil. In contrast, for the unrepentant, this coming age represents a period of cold and hardship. They perceive the current time as a season of summer, whereas the age that lies ahead appears to them as a storm.

We need to revisit the passage where it states, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, as all these things shall be.”

Beloved brethren of the Kingdom, who strive for the Lord and dwell in the heavenly realm, fully engaged in the divine spirit, we must recognize our true selves to remain unshaken by the tempests and turmoil of this world. The Lord has warned us that these events would unfold, guiding, instructing, preparing, and strengthening His Church to withstand what is to come. He explicitly prophesied that there would be conflicts, famines, earthquakes, and plagues in various regions, cautioning us against the anxiety that sudden misfortunes may cause. He forewarned us that the tribulations of the end times would amplify continuously, and indeed, this has materialized! When the prophecies come to fruition, the promised blessings will follow.

It is evident that His teaching conveys this message: Just as the ripening of fruits signifies the approach of summer, the devastation of the world indicates the impending arrival of God's kingdom. These statements reveal that the outcome of the world is indeed ruin. It arises only to face demise, and it brings forth results that ultimately succumb to death. In contrast, the kingdom of God is aptly likened to summer, for with its arrival, the clouds of our grief dissipate, and the days of existence are illuminated by the brilliance of the eternal light.

Given the magnificent and reassuring depiction of the Messiah’s return, which undoubtedly leaves a profound and rewarding impression on every faithful and devout heart, the inquiries of Jesus’ disciples regarding the timing of this event would have understandably reached new heights. “When will all these things occur?” could have been the question posed, certainly not just by Peter alone. The direction of the dialogue suggests this. “The most significant occurrences,” the God-man responded, “in the realm of God, much like in nature’s domain, announce themselves: we must merely remain vigilant. Observe the fig tree and all the other trees (Luke 21:29) and learn from them.

The disciples inquired about two key topics: the timing and indicators of the end of Jerusalem and the world, as well as the return of Christ. Up to this point, the Lord had addressed the latter part of their question. From here, He begins to elaborate on the timeline of the prophesied events. He first informs them that they would recognize the nearing end by observing the signs that would arise, similar to how they could discern the approach of summer by the soft, green branches of the fig tree. He then clarifies when His prophecies will begin to come to fruition, stating, "This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be fulfilled." This prophecy indeed came to pass, as the destruction of Jerusalem occurred forty years later, in 70 A.D.

Do not overlook the signs I have provided regarding the impending devastation of Jerusalem; consider the fig tree as a metaphor: when its branches become tender and its leaves start to bud, you will recognize from these familiar indicators that summer is approaching. Likewise, in the context I am sharing with you: when you observe the occurrences I have predicted beginning to manifest, you will understand that the time of judgment is imminent, already at the threshold, upon the people of Israel. Truly, I tell you, this will happen soon, and many now living will witness all the tribulations and experience them firsthand; everything I have stated will indeed come to pass, for sooner will heaven and earth perish than my words be unfulfilled.

The Redeemer consistently encouraged His followers to recognize and understand these signs, just as they would discern the arrival of summer by the growth of new leaves on the fig tree.