Parables, of Jesus, The
Budding Fig Tree Pg.1
Scripture: Luke
21:29-33 (Matthew 24:32 f.; Mark 13:28 f.)
29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all
the trees; 30 as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know
that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking
place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this
generation will not pass away till all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth
will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Why study this parable? This is one of the “end time” parables of the Olivet discourse. It is a world wide mystery which all
civilizations have pondered since the coming of Jesus Christ. When will it all
end? Jesus tells us what we want to know, in general terms but no details. He
also states that though it all will end, his words will not pass away. What
words? We will make these discoveries in this study. Psalm
102:25, “Of old thou didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the
heavens are the work of thy hands. They will perish, but thou dost endure; they
will all wear out like a garment. Thou changes them like raiment, and they pass
away; but thou art the same, and thy years have no end.”
+++++++++++++++++++++Verse by Verse Study+++++++++++++++++++++
29"Look at the fig tree, and all the trees;
Fig trees produce two crops of fruit each year, the first
harvest often contains poor-quality fruit inedible for human consumption. But
the signs are there
1. The
first blooming represents what? The introduction of Gods word into the
heart of man.
Pro 1:7 The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
An alternate interpretation is that the fig tree
represents the nation of Israel being politically reestablished in their land once
again. The first budding represents their falling away
Additionally, it is a sign of the coming destruction, both are reasonable
to expect. In the redeemed sinner, rescued from this destruction, the word of
God lives on. And though everything else is passed away, God’s word shall not
pass away. It is resident in the redeemed who have eternal life.
2. The second blooming represents
what?
That is when
it produces good fruit for consumption. It is the culmination of God’s
work. That is when God’s work will be displayed for all to see, and his glory
will be revealed to all.
The kingdom
of God is very near at hand.
30 as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves
and know that the summer is already near.
This description serves to tell us that God is at work, and
still in control. Just as we know the seasons change. So the fate of Jerusalem
will change, the Work of God will be glorious
1.
Of what
benefit is this knowledge to us?
2.
We
already know God is still in control do we not?
3.
So what
are we being told?
4.
Not just the fig tree, but all trees bloom before the leaves
grow to maturity. Just as this is known because it is part of God’s plan, we
are ,called to be aware of the signs of the end time.
Pg2
31 So also, when you see these things taking place,
you know that the kingdom of God is near.
Jesus is further speaking of the signs which were
previously described in the parable of the
vultures and the corpse, from this same
Olivet discourse. But here he is speaking of Gods good work, that of our
salvation as well as the destruction of all that is evil.
Joel 2:22 Do
not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are
becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine
yield their riches.
What were some of the ominous signs?
a, There will be signs in the religious
world - mass deception, claims of deity by false messiahs, false prophets,
persecution of genuine believers, betrayal and hatred. b, There will be
signs in the medical world – pestilences, diseases, ,and incurable diseases. c.
the physical world, earthquakes in divers places. d, There will be signs
in the political/military world - nations rising against nations, kingdoms
against kingdoms, wars and rumors of wars. e, The destruction
of the Jewish nation, Was near (Luk_21:32): It was sure;
the sentence was irreversible; f. False prophets begin to proliferate,
All that seems right will be deemed wrong, and all that seems wrong will be
deemed right.
1.
What are the anticipated glories? a. The end
of______? b. The beginning of_______?
c. The culmination of___________?
32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass
away till all has taken place.
When we see a nation (The Jewish nation) filling up the measure
of their iniquity, we may conclude that their ruin is nigh. Yet this race and
family of Abraham shall not be rooted out; it shall survive as a nation, and be
found as prophesied, when we see the ruin of persecuting powers hastening on,
we may infer that the kingdom of God is
close at hand. When the opposition given to it is removed it shall gain ground.
As we may presume the change of the seasons, so may we expect something
uncommon when God is working his plan. Then stand still and see his salvation.
1. Of what generation is Jesus speaking?
2. To whom will It be a terror and a destruction?3. .
“Take heed to yourselves”. This is the watch word of command given to all
Christ's disciples: that you be not
overpowered by temptations, nor betrayed by your own corruptions.” What does
this mean to us today?
33 Heaven and
earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
As the time draws near when
the Kingdom of God shall be fully established upon the earth, and the King
shall return in glory, the days will be characterized by increasing apostasy,
disturbances in the earth and in the heavens, and intense hatred of those who
proclaim the Gospel. The age will culminate in a period of terrible fear upon
man, and then shall Christ appear.
1.
Does any of this sound familiar?
2.
Do you consider that we should start paying attention
to what Jesus is saying here
3.
The
age of the Earth is 4.54 ± 0.05 billion years.
4.
How does
this relate to our faith?
Pg.3
Questions:
1. “Signs From a Fig Tree” is one of only six parables repeated in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What does this tell us?
1. “Signs From a Fig Tree” is one of only six parables repeated in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What does this tell us?
2.
In Verse 24:33 and 34, what does “all these things” refer to?
3.
What are some current examples of false prophets deceiving people?
4.
In Verse 24:33, what does “it” in the phrase “it is near” refer to? (Luke
21:31)
5.
In Verse 24:34, what does “this generation” refer to? Do you feel as though you
are in the generation that Jesus speaks about?
6.
Who knows when the end times will come? (24:36)
7.
What does it mean for you to “keep watch” (24:42) or “be ready” (24:44)?
8.
How can you have a sense of expectation about the imminent return of Christ?
10. What are we told in the parable about
the end times?
“All these things” refers to everything
Christ just talked about: wars, famines earthquakes (24:4-8), persecution of
Christians (9-10), false prophets (11), the abomination that causes desolation
(15), false Christ (24), the need to flee because of the Great Tribulation
(16-28), and the stellar events (sun darkened, no light from the moon) of
verses 29-31. All those things will signal the nearness of Christ’s return, The
new leaves on the fig tree are analogous to the signs preceding the second
coming. The phrase “this generation” clearly refers to the generation that is
alive at the time those signs are fulfilled. Jesus was saying, “The generation
that sees the signs of the second coming will not pass away until I return.”
1Jn 4:17 By this is
love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment,
because as he is so also are we in this world. ."
2Pe 1:10 Therefore,
my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and
election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 2Pe 1:11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the
eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior JesusChris
Of what significance is this scripture to
the Christian today?
Meditation: The
fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit
twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The prophet Joel mentions
its fruit bearing as a sign of favor from the Lord (Joel 2:22). The Talmud said
that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when
the Messiah came he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time. Some
believe that Israel will be recast as Gods chosen and it will be one of the
signs when this happens. This parable foretells the joy of God's kingdom -- the
joy of new life and the promise of a new age of peace and blessing. The
signs of spring are evident for all who can see. Just so are the signs of God's
kingdom. The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts
of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will
bear the fruits of his kingdom. And what are the fruits of that
kingdom? "The kingdom of God ..is righteousness and peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
Lord God,
may your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven. Open our eyes that we may see your glory. Open our minds
that we may understand and obey your word. And open the door of our hearts that
we may welcome you in as our King and Savior. As to the end of our days, we
stand upon the promise of our salvation by claiming Jesus Christ Your Son as
our savior. In Jesus name we pray ____AMEN
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