The fig tree prophecy refers to a prophecy made by Jesus in the Gospels regarding the signs of his second coming and the end times. It is based on the parable of the fig tree found in Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33.
In the parable, Jesus tells his disciples that when they see the fig tree and other trees starting to put forth leaves, they know that summer is near. He then states:
“So also, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, at the very gates.” (Matthew 24:33)
“These things” refer to the signs Jesus gave regarding the end times earlier in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 – wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution of Christians, false prophets, the gospel being preached to all nations, the abomination of desolation, etc. So when these signs are being fulfilled, Jesus says people can know his return is near.
The fig tree is generally understood to represent the nation of Israel. So Israel’s rebirth and growth as a nation in the 20th century is seen by some as a fulfillment of this prophecy – the fig tree (Israel) has put forth leaves again and so Jesus’ return must be close.
There are several key points regarding the fig tree prophecy:
- It is related to Jesus’ teaching about the end times and his second coming.
- The blooming of the fig tree and other trees represents the signs of the end times being fulfilled.
- It indicates that when these signs come to pass, Jesus’ return is near.
- The fig tree is widely interpreted to represent Israel becoming a nation again.
- Some see Israel’s reestablishment in 1948 and subsequent growth as fulfillment of the parable.
- Others argue the fig tree represents something broader than just Israel.
- Prophecy teachers debate if the generation alive when the fig tree blooms will see the return.
- Overall, it generates much discussion about how close we now are to the second coming.
The Context of the Fig Tree Parable
To better understand the meaning of the fig tree parable, it’s important to look at the context in the Gospels in which Jesus spoke it. In all three Gospels, it is part of Jesus’ response when asked about the signs of his coming and the end of the age.
In Matthew 24, Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple when the disciples ask him, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus proceeds to describe various signs – false messiahs, wars, famines, persecution, betrayal, false prophets, tribulation, the abomination of desolation, astronomical signs, the gospel preached to all nations, etc. He then gives the parable of the fig tree and states that this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. He concludes by emphasizing the need to be prepared since no one knows the day or hour.
In Mark 13, a similar discourse and sequence of events occurs. Jesus and his disciples are leaving the temple and one of them says, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1). Jesus then predicts the temple’s destruction. Later as they overlook the temple across the Kidron Valley on the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John and Andrew ask him privately when this will happen and what will be the sign of the end times. Jesus describes the various signs and then gives the parable of the fig tree before exhorting them to be alert and watchful since they do not know the timing.
In Luke 21, some disciples are remarking about the beauty of the temple and its offerings. Jesus predicts the temple’s destruction and says “the time will come when not one stone will be left on another” (Luke 21:6). The disciples then ask, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7). Jesus describes the signs, gives the fig tree parable, and tells them to be watchful and pray that they may be able to stand before him on the last day.
Examining the accounts side-by-side, the fig tree parable is consistently nestled within Jesus’ end times discourse and description of his return. He uses the visual of the fig tree blooming as a metaphor for the other signs he mentions being fulfilled. When these signs come to pass, Christ tells his disciples they can know his return and coming kingdom are near.
Interpretations of the Fig Tree
The part of the fig tree prophecy that generates the most discussion is what exactly the fig tree represents. There are several main interpretations:
- The fig tree represents Israel – This is the most common view and understands the fig tree blooming as Israel reemerging as a nation in the 20th century after nearly 1900 years of diaspora. Proponents cite prophecies in Hosea, Joel and Ezekiel about Israel’s restoration, as well as parables from Christ linking fig trees to Israel.
- The fig tree is symbolic of signs in general – In this reading, the fig tree is not Israel specifically, but represents the signs Jesus described. The blooming fig tree just imagery for these signs being fulfilled.
- The fig tree is all trees – This view takes the passage most literally. All the trees, including the fig, represent that summer and the kingdom of God are near when their buds appear. No special meaning is assigned to the fig tree.
- The fig tree is God’s people – Some think the fig tree represents followers of God more broadly, whether Israel, the church, or spiritual Israel consisting of all believers.
Of these interpretations, the fig tree as Israel is the most common historic view and still predominates today, especially in prophecy teaching. Proponents argue Jesus frequently used the imagery of a fig tree to symbolize Israel in his parables – for example, the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The biblical prophets often depicted Israel as a fig tree as well, such as Jeremiah’s visions of baskets of good and bad figs representing the people of Judah (Jeremiah 24).
Critics counter that while this interpretation is plausible, limiting the passage to only refer to Israel’s restoration reads too much symbolism into the text. They argue it could represent the signs in general or that Christ’s primary point is that the coming of the kingdom will have discernable signs, like how buds signal summer is near.
So while Israel represented as the fig tree has been the predominant view historically, some caution that the passage could have a broader meaning not limited exclusively to Israel’s national rebirth. The consensus is that while Israel’s role may be significant, the core point is the end times signs appearing means Christ’s return is drawing near.
Israel’s Rebirth and the Fig Tree Vision
For those who hold the fig tree is Israel view, Israel being reconstituted as an independent state in 1948 after so many centuries without a homeland is seen as a pivotal fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Here are some reasons why:
- The fig tree parable is coupled with Jesus’ other end times signs being fulfilled, so Israel’s rebirth fits chronologically with world events.
- Israel becoming a nation again after nearly 1900 years aligns with Old Testament promises of their later restoration.
- A passage in Hosea links Israel’s return to days like being raised from the dead – similar to Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones reassembling into an exceeding great army (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
- Israel’s revitalization mirrors God redeeming and restoring his people spiritually – the “dry bones” passage is followed by the promise, “I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 37:14).
However, detractors contend that while Israel’s reemergence on the world scene is significant, the fig tree prophecy should not be interpreted in an exclusively literal sense as only referring to the nation of Israel. They offer several counterarguments:
- The fig tree is just imagery; the real point is the end times signs occurring means Christ’s return is imminent.
- Limiting the passage to Israel’s 1948 rebirth ignores how prophecy often has multiple fulfillments, not just one.
- The fig tree could represent followers of God more broadly, not just Israel specifically.
- Too extensive focus on matching symbolism risks missing Jesus’ core message to be alert and ready for his return at all times.
So in summary, Israel reprising its historic role offers intriguing prophetic implications. But interpretations focusing solely on the literal may lose sight of broader recurring scriptural themes of repentance, readiness, and patience as God’s plans unfold. The fig tree likely signals aspects of God’s faithfulness to Israel, but perhaps has fulfillments beyond just Israel’s 20th century rebirth as a nation.
This Generation
Another much-discussed part of the fig tree prophecy is Jesus’ declaration:
“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” (Matthew 24:34)
Those who link the fig tree to Israel’s 1948 independence argue “this generation” refers to the people alive at that time. Since a biblical generation is considered to be 40 years, they anticipated Jesus would return sometime before 1988. Others extend the timeline to account for developments in Israel since 1948. Attempts to pinpoint an exact date for Jesus’ return based on the fig tree parable have consistently proven incorrect.
Alternative views offer a variety of possibilities:
- “This generation” refers back to when Jesus was speaking to the disciples, so already occurred during the first century.
- It refers to the generation that sees the bulk of end time prophecies fulfilled.
- It is not quantifiable but means the people who see the signs will also see the second coming.
- It is symbolic of God’s faithfulness to fulfill all things.
Overall, a key lesson is no one can definitively state the day or hour of Christ’s return, despite frequent speculation. Jesus expressly states in Matthew 24:36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” So while signs indicate it is approaching, assigning set timeframes risks contradicting Jesus’ clear words that only the Father knows the timing.
Watchfulness, Readiness and Living in Light of Christ’s Return
Trying to use the fig tree prophecy as a precise timetable for the end times misses the deeper spiritual messages Jesus gave about watchfulness, readiness and holy living in anticipation of his return. Several key themes emerge in this regard:
- The need to be alert and prepared – Jesus emphasizes his followers must be watchful and ready since he will come at an unexpected hour (Matthew 24:42-44, Luke 21:34-36). No one can calculate the day or time.
- Events unfolding according to God’s plan – Jesus affirms the Father’s sovereign control over the end times timing. His return will occur at the proper time in God’s perfect will (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32).
- Living faithfully until Christ returns – Jesus’ parables about faithful servants and wise virgins focus on persevering and continuing his work until he comes back (Matthew 24:45-51, 25:1-13).
- Making oneself ready spiritually – Jesus repeatedly encourages prayerfulness, holiness, love, service and redemption of the time as faithful conduct in anticipation of eternity.
In summary, while the fig tree parable offers insight into end time events, Jesus’ bigger emphasis is on encouraging preparedness and faithfulness no matter when he returns. Attempting to use the fig tree as a timeline risks distracting from Jesus’ calls for spiritual readiness, watchfulness, and living in godliness and sincerity as his return draws closer.
Issues and Questions Regarding the Fig Tree Prophecy
Understanding the fig tree prophecy also benefits from considering some common questions surrounding it:
- Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in some accounts? (Mark 11:12-14, Matthew 21:18-19) – This episode bracketed by the fig tree prophecy shows sin’s consequences but also God’s power to revive the fruitless. It mirrors Israel’s spiritual state.
- Why is the fig tree prophecy primarily recorded in the Gospels? Jesus gave it to prepare the first generation of believers for tribulations foreshadowing the end times.
- Does the fig tree prophecy contradict no one knowing the timing? No, it indicates the general period not an exact date. No one knows the day or hour.
- Are there any other related Bible passages? Yes, the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) and various references associating fig trees with Israel.
- Why do leaves indicate summer is near? Figs grow in semi-tropical climates so their leaves appearing show the seasonal change to warmer weather.
Considering these aspects provides helpful perspective regarding the context, dispels confusion, and offers ideas for further study. Focusing excessively on speculative interpretations or prophetic theories ignores Jesus’ urgent appeals for practical spiritual readiness and faithful living regardless of when he returns.
Summary of Key Points on the Fig Tree Prophecy
In conclusion, here are key points on the fig tree prophecy:
- It comes from Jesus’ end times discourse in the Gospels and parallels the budding of the fig tree with the fulfillment of signs.
- The fig tree is widely viewed as representing Israel’s rebirth as a nation.
- Some argue it could symbolize signs in general or apply more broadly.
- The timing of “this generation” generates much speculation but Jesus affirms no one knows the day or hour.
- He emphasizes watchfulness, spiritual readiness and living in godliness regardless of when it occurs.
- While intriguing, fixating on questionable interpretations loses sight of Jesus’ core spiritual teachings.
In the end, the vital message of the fig tree prophecy is to always be prepared and faithful as Christ’s return draws nearer based on end time signs appearing. Attempting to use it to speculate on dates misses Jesus’ point entirely. His return will surprise everyone like a thief in the night. The crucial issue is whether believers are actively living out and spreading the gospel until he comes again.