Now of the fig tree learn ye a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near.
απο δε της συκης μαθετε την παραβολην οταν αυτης ηδη ο κλαδος απαλος γενηται και εκφυη τα φυλλα γινωσκετε οτι εγγυς το θερος εστιν
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The Lord explains that one can grasp His message through the illustration of the fig tree. Just as a leaf-covered fig tree signifies the approaching harvest, similarly, following the tribulation period associated with Antichrist, Christ's return will swiftly ensue. For the righteous, this event will be akin to the harvest that comes after winter, while for the unrighteous, it will resemble the winter following the harvest.
Summer represents the conclusion of this world, a period when the harvest is collected and stored away.
Given the grand and reassuring depiction of the Messiah's return, which can deeply resonate with every sincere believer’s heart, it is only natural that the disciples of Jesus would have grown increasingly curious about the timing of this momentous event. “When will all these things take place?” was likely a question not posed solely by Peter, as the context of their discussion suggests. The God-man responded, “The most significant occurrences, whether in the realm of the divine or in the natural order, reveal themselves: we must simply remain vigilant. Observe the fig tree and all the other trees (Luke 21:29) and learn from them. When their branches become tender and begin to bud, you see this and say to yourselves (Luke 21:30) that summer is imminent.
Likewise, when you witness these events (which I have foretold) unfolding among the Jewish people, understand that the time of retribution is at hand (Matt. 24:33; Mk. 13:29), and judgment is approaching. Indeed, it is near,” the Teacher continued emphatically, “I assure you, this generation will not pass away until all has been fulfilled; not one stone will remain upon another in Jerusalem. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will endure forever.”
The appearance of fruit on trees indicates the arrival of summer, just as the disturbances in the world signify the forthcoming kingdom (cf. Matt. 24:32-33; Luke 21:29-31). Every sign corresponds to something, and every thing has its sign. If these disturbances point to the kingdom, akin to how fruits indicate summer, then they reflect the kingdom of the Creator. We hold that these upheavals, which serve as indicators of that kingdom, originate from Him.
The indicators of the arrival of a specific era are evident in the occurrences themselves. Just as we discern the approach of summer by observing a fig tree's tender branches and unfolding leaves, we can recognize the imminent transition of ages through these signs. Regarding Jerusalem, the Lord has emphatically declared that this generation will not pass away until all that has been said concerning Jerusalem comes to fruition. My declarations are more steadfast than both heaven and earth. However, it remains impossible to ascertain the exact day or hour of these events.
The inquiry posed by the disciples addressed two key matters: the timing and signs pertaining to the culmination of both Jerusalem and the world, as well as the return of Christ. Up to this point, the Lord had provided them insights regarding the second aspect of their query. He now shifts to offering information concerning the timing of the foretold events. He first teaches them that they would recognize the approaching end by observing certain signs, such as the appearance of owls, much like they could tell summer was near by noticing the fig tree budding and becoming lush.
Furthermore, He communicates when His prophetic words would reach their fulfillment: "This generation shall not pass away, saith He, until all these things be fulfilled," indicating that these events would indeed commence, which aligns with the historical reality as the destruction of Jerusalem occurred approximately 40 years later, in 70 AD. Ultimately, the Lord emphasizes the unwavering nature of His prophecy, stating that heaven and earth would be more likely to perish than for His words to remain unfulfilled. After generally outlining the onset of the fulfillment of His predictions, He continues with a crucial point: "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but my Father alone." He warns that humanity will experience the last day and hour as suddenly as the flood surged upon Noah’s contemporaries, paralleling the unexpected nature of an enemy's assault, where one laborer is taken and the other is left behind.
Remember the signs I have provided regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem; consider the fig tree as a reference: when its branches become tender and its leaves start to bloom, these recognizable signs indicate that summer is approaching. Similarly, concerning what I have shared with you: when the prophecies I have declared begin to unfold, you will understand that judgment is imminent, already at the threshold, for the people of Israel. Truly, I assure you, it will occur soon; many who are alive now will witness all these tribulations and experience them directly. Everything will transpire as I have stated, for it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for my words to remain unfulfilled.
The statements of Jesus about the fig tree, affirming that all He foretold will take place within the lifetime of that generation, are incorporated by the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke in their accounts mentioning the end times. Since these statements are specifically related to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and are not about the final judgment, they are positioned here in Gladkov's work after the twenty-third verse of Mark’s Gospel to maintain the flow of the narrative.
The Redeemer consistently encouraged His followers to recognize and understand these indicators in the same manner as they discern the arrival of summer through the blossoming leaves of the fig tree.
The statement closely mirrors the one found in the Gospel of Matthew. Notably, in Matthew 24:36, it is stated, "Neither the Son." If He had claimed knowledge but chose to keep it hidden, He would have caused them distress. However, by declaring that neither the angels nor Himself possess that knowledge, He wisely prevents them from inquiring further and pestering Him. This can be illustrated with an analogy: when small children see something their fathers have in hand, they often ask for it. If the fathers do not wish to share it, the children may begin to cry. In such instances, fathers typically hide the object and show their children empty hands to avoid tears. In a similar manner, the Lord, viewing the Apostles as children, concealed knowledge of the last day from them.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the Lord is aware of that day and hour, for He is the Creator of time itself. How could anything that exists fail to recognize Wisdom, the Creator of the ages, the Perfecter and Judge, just as the spirit discerns what lies within a person (1 Cor. 2:11)? It is apparent to all that the Son possesses divine knowledge, yet adopts a semblance of human ignorance, as the visible realm can indeed be distinguished from the intellectual.
The glorious depiction of God's judgement upon Jerusalem, the Jewish people, and humanity as a whole undoubtedly aroused in those who listened a yearning to understand more clearly when this would occur. In response, the Lord provided His disciples with guidance relevant to their inquiries and circumstances. True to form, He employed a parabolic style of communication, drawing from the natural surroundings of the holy gathering on the Mount of Olives, where fig, olive, and various other trees were present.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 24 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS