Matthew 24:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ indicated that after the tribulation of those days would come swiftly, and when His disciples inquired about the timing and exact day, He illustrated His point with the fig tree, revealing that the hour was near and His return imminent. This was not only conveyed through His parable, but He also affirmed it with the statement: “Know that it is near, at the door.” Christ speaks of a coming spiritual summer, accompanied by tranquility for the righteous after the present winter they endure; conversely, for the wicked, He foretells a winter to follow the summer, stating that they would be found indulging in luxuries and pleasures on that day.

As these events unfold, the time remaining until the conclusion of the world and My return will be brief. The term ‘summer’ signifies the approaching age, a time when the righteous will find peace amidst the chaos, while the wicked will experience turmoil and disorder. Just as the Saviour observed the branches and leaves of the fig tree, indicating the season of summer, so should you be vigilant for My return when you witness the signs I have predicted—the alteration of the sun and moon.

By drawing a parallel with the tree, He illustrated how to discern the signs of the end times. Just as the branches of the fig tree become soft, the blossoms emerge, and the leaves sprout from beneath the bark, you will understand that summer is approaching, that the season of the gentle west wind and spring is imminent; likewise, when you witness the fulfillment of all that has been foretold, do not assume that the end of the world is upon us; it is simply a sign that the coming and certain heralds have manifested to indicate that it is close, already at the threshold.

When you observe the realization of the prophecies regarding the aforementioned deceivers, recognize that the return of Christ is imminent. He refers to this event as the kingdom of God and the salvation of the righteous—termed the kingdom because it approaches like a sovereign, and their salvation as it rescues them. He illustrated this with the fig tree, indicating that just as the blossoming of the fig tree, or the sprouting of its leaves, signals that the harvest time is approaching, likewise, when the signs of the Second Coming are evident, it indicates that His return is also near. He frequently drew upon natural examples to demonstrate the truths that would unfold.

When you observe all these events unfolding in Jerusalem and among the people of Judah, you can be assured that God’s judgment is imminent and His retribution is approaching. Just as nature dictates that summer follows spring, it is essential that everything I am now prophesying comes to fruition.

The indicators of the arrival of various ages become evident through the events that unfold, just as we can discern the approach of summer by observing the tender branches and blossoming leaves of a fig tree. In a similar way, these signs allow us to perceive the closeness of different eras. Concerning Jerusalem, the Lord has made a more explicit declaration, stating that this generation will not pass away until every word concerning Jerusalem is accomplished. His words hold greater certainty than the heavens and the earth. However, the exact day or hour of these events remains unknown.

The inquiry from the disciples revolved around two key topics: the timing and signs that would signify the conclusion 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 this moment onward, He starts to provide insight regarding the timing of the foretold events. He first teaches them to recognize the approaching end through indicated signs, drawing a comparison to how they would know summer was near when they observed the soft and leafy branches of the fig tree.

Do not overlook the signs I have provided regarding the imminent fall of Jerusalem; consider the fig tree as an illustration: when its branches grow tender and its leaves begin to appear, you will recognize these familiar signs indicating that summer is approaching. Likewise, concerning what I am sharing with you: when the events I have predicted start to unfold, you will understand that judgment is close at hand, even at the door, for the people of Israel. Truly, I assure you, it is destined to occur soon that many who are alive at present will witness all these tragedies and endure them firsthand; everything I proclaim will indeed come to pass, for it is easier for heaven and earth to perish than for my words to remain unfulfilled.

While the timing of the Lord's return and the termination of the world remains a mystery even to the angels, there are indicators that can help us discern the proximity of these monumental occurrences. In that era, the sun and moon will lose their light, the stars will plummet like leaves, and the celestial powers will be disturbed. A significant transformation of the worldly order will take place, followed by Christ dispatching angels with trumpets to assemble His elect from the four corners of the earth. The Saviour continually encouraged His disciples to recognize these signs and to interpret them just as they would identify the approaching summer by noticing the budding leaves on the fig tree.

"Consider the example": The Lord used the fig tree to illustrate a point, not merely to indicate timing—He could have conveyed that in other ways—but to affirm that His prophecy would undoubtedly come to pass. Just as the initial events must occur, so too must the final ones. "When you witness all these occurrences": this refers to the signs of His impending judgment upon Jerusalem and His ultimate return for the judgment of all creation, which the Savior previously addressed. The term "near," "at the door," signifies that the first of these signs will directly precede Jerusalem's downfall; following the final sign, the Lord's return will swiftly follow, without delay.

To comfort His disciples, the Lord proclaimed, “But when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.” The vivid imagery of God’s judgment upon both Jerusalem and the people of Judah, as well as humanity as a whole, naturally sparked in the listeners a yearning to understand when these events would unfold. In response, the Lord provided His followers with guidance regarding these occurrences, tailored specifically to their understanding and needs. True to His teachings, He employed a relatable analogy drawn from the natural world surrounding His holy assembly on the Mount of Olives, where fig, olive, and other trees flourished.