Matthew 24:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ indicated that after the trials of those days, a sudden event would occur, prompting His disciples to inquire about its timing and specifics. In response, He used the fig tree to illustrate that the time was short and His return was imminent. This was not only demonstrated through His parable but also reinforced by His subsequent declaration: ‘Know that it is near, at the door.’ He foretells a spiritual summer and the tranquility that will arrive for the righteous following the current tribulations, while conversely, He warns sinners of an impending winter that will follow their fleeting summer, noting that they would be found indulging in pleasures on that fateful day.

When these events occur, the moment before the end of the world and My return will be near. The term ‘summer’ signifies the coming age, during which the righteous will experience peace from turmoil; conversely, the wicked will face chaos and disorder. Just as the Saviour taught, observing the branches and foliage of the fig tree, you anticipate the arrival of summer; similarly, await My return when you witness the signs I have predicted—the alteration of the sun and moon.

By likening it to a tree, He instructed us on how to discern the signs of the end times. Just as the branches of the fig tree become tender, buds unfold into blossoms, and leaves emerge from beneath the bark, you will recognize that summer approaches, that the season of the warm west wind and spring is arriving; in the same way, when you observe all that has been prophesied fulfilled, do not assume that the end is imminent; it is merely an indication that the arrival and some heralds have manifested to signify that it is close, already at the threshold.

Behold the fig tree and all the trees. When they begin to bloom, you can be certain that summer is approaching (Luke 21:29-30). While the details may differ among the Gospel writers, the parable’s essence remains unchanged. Matthew refers specifically to the fig tree: When its branch becomes tender (Mt. 24:32); Mark similarly notes this (Mk. 13:28). Luke, however, includes all trees. When the fruits are in season, or the fig tree bursts forth in bloom, and every tongue acknowledges God (Rom. 14:11), including the praise of His chosen people, we should place our faith in the coming of the Lord. At that time, summer will arrive, and the fruits of the Resurrection will be ready for gathering.

He refers to Proverbs as an illustration to demonstrate that there will be a brief period between the aforementioned sign of the Second Coming and the actual event itself. In Luke 21:28-31, it is stated more explicitly: But when these things begin to happen, lift up your heads and look up, for your redemption is drawing near. Luke continues: And he told them a parable, saying, Look at the fig tree and all the trees: when they are already bursting forth, you see it and know that summer is near. Likewise, when you observe these signs taking place, understand that the kingdom of God is at hand.

The comparison to the fig tree serves to highlight the indicators of the times. When its branches soften and begin to sprout leaves, we can discern that summer is drawing near. However, this fig tree and the summer it signifies differ greatly from those we observe in nature. In the natural world, there exists a notable gap between the arrival of summer and the budding of new leaves in early spring when the branches soften. It is important to recognize that these observations are not merely about a tree. We have previously addressed the profound implications of what the tree represents. With these leaves, as we learn, Adam concealed his guilty conscience, binding himself to the law as if he had clothed himself in transgression.

Why does Jesus choose the fig tree to symbolize summer instead of any other kind of tree? This is because other trees tend to bloom only to be interrupted by the return of cold weather, causing them to revert to a winter state. In contrast, the fig tree flowers later than most and its fruit is not disrupted by adverse temperatures. Similarly, the Church serves as a definitive indicator of the arrival of a new era. Let us examine this analogy further. The fig tree unfurls its leaves at the most favorable time in spring, while the Church, despite facing intense persecution, is often pushed toward despair. Here, the Lord draws a parallel between the springtime success of the fig tree and the spiritual maturity of believers, rather than the struggles of the body.

The Lord indicated the fig trees, abundant on the slopes of Olivet, and stated: Consider the fig tree: when its branches grow tender and produce leaves, you recognize this for yourselves, without needing a prophecy, and you declare that summer is approaching.

The inquiry posed by the disciples revolved around two main topics: the timing and signs that would herald 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. Now, He begins to provide clarity regarding the timeline of the prophesied events. He first teaches them that they will recognize the approach of the end through the foretelling signs, similar to how they discern the arrival of summer when they see the fig tree begin to sprout tender leaves and buds.

Do not overlook the signs I have provided regarding the impending devastation of Jerusalem; consider the fig tree: when its branches grow tender and its leaves start to bloom, you can recognize these familiar indicators that summer is approaching. Similarly, when you observe the occurrences I have foretold unfolding, you will understand that judgment is imminent, already at the threshold for the people of Israel. Truly, I tell you this will soon come to pass; many who are alive today will witness all these tribulations and will experience them firsthand. Everything will indeed transpire as I have stated, for it is more likely that heaven and earth will perish than that my words fail to be realized.

The exact moment of the Lord's return and the conclusion of the age remain a mystery, even to the angels; however, there are certain indicators that signal the proximity of these profound occurrences. In that time, the sun will be obscured, the moon will lose its light, and the stars will descend like autumn leaves, while the celestial forces will tremble. There will be a significant disruption in the established order of the world, after which Christ will commission angels equipped with trumpets to assemble His elect from all corners of the earth. The Saviour consistently encouraged His followers to be vigilant and to understand these signs, much like they recognize the signs of summer approaching from the budding of leaves on the fig tree.

The Lord spoke this prophecy regarding the fig tree while on the Mount of Olives, an area rich not only in olive trees but also in fig trees, allowing His listeners to witness the subject of the analogy firsthand.

To comfort His followers, the Lord assured them, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The grand depiction of God's judgment upon Jerusalem and the people of Judah, as well as upon all mankind, naturally stirred a longing among those listening to gain clarity about the timing of these events. In response, the Lord provided His disciples with guidance regarding the occurrences they were curious about, tailored to their understanding and receptivity. As was His practice, He adopted a more illustrative manner of speaking and drew from the natural landscape surrounding His holy followers on the Mount of Olives, where fig, olive, and other trees flourished.