The Budding Fig Tree
Just as tender new leaves mean summer is near, Jesus said, the signs he foretold mean the kingdom of God is close - even at the doors.
Teaching about the signs of the end and his return, Jesus pointed to the fig tree: when its branch grows tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, he said, when you see the foretold signs coming to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near, even at the doors. He assured his hearers that 'heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away,' calling for watchfulness and confidence in the certainty of his word. It is distinct from the barren fig tree Jesus cursed - here the fig tree is a hopeful sign of nearness.
Category: Judgment & Eternity
Meaning: As new leaves signal that summer is near, the signs Jesus described signal that his return and God's kingdom are near.
Audience: Disciples
Key Chapters
Key Passages
When the Fig Tree Buds
Luke 21:29-33
29nd he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Did You Know?
New leaves on the fig tree signal that summer is near.
Jesus used it as a sign that his return is close.
It is distinct from the barren fig tree he cursed - here it is hopeful.
It closes with 'my words shall not pass away.'