Slide 2:
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Slide 3:
Here is another example of Jesus taking a known and regularly reoccurring event to explain a greater truth.
In Palestine most trees remain green year round with the exception of the fig tree.
During the fall the fig tree would lose its leaves but will regain them in spring.
It would go from the winter of darkness into the light of spring when it would begin the process of bearing fruit.
Christians are just like the tree. In our youth as Christians we find ourselves standing in the winter of darkness and searching for the knowledge that will bring us into the light of spring so we can begin to bear the fruit which will nourish those around us.
The lesson learned from the fig tree applies to faith development, the need to bear Christian fruit, being ready for the second coming, the destruction of the temple and the end times all tied together in this illustration.
Slide 4:
Verse 30 says, Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.
It seems clear at this point he is speaking of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
Many of his listeners would live to see the temple, the city, and its inhabitants destroyed but Jesus “words would not pass away.
Here we are 2000 years later and Jesus’ words are every bit as meaningful as they were when he walked on the earth.
The major thrust of this passage is the need to be ready for the coming, if you are ready, if you are prepared, you will meet the second coming or your particular judgment at the time of your death with joy and understanding.
In 2 Peter 3:14 we read: Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.