The Parable of the Fig Tree and the Coming of Christ

The disciples asked Christ what the sign of His coming and the end of the age would be. While we don't have time to review all the signs, you can click the following link: Signs of Christ’s Coming. After Jesus spoke about some of the signs, He shared the Parable of the Fig Tree, a prophetic story related to the timing of the end of the age. Again, I would remind you that we will not know the day or the hour, but the people of God should be aware of the season. Here's the parable:

29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:29-31).  

I am aware of two possible interpretations. The first pertains to the nation of Israel. In this interpretation, the fig tree symbolizes the nation of Israel. However, there is little scriptural evidence to support this theory, as Israel is primarily symbolized as a vine (Isaiah 5:7).  

1) In this view, the nation of Israel (established in 1948 and expanding territorially through five successive wars: 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982) is akin to the leaves of a fig tree sprouting before summer, where summer symbolizes the Second Coming of Christ. This interpretation of the parable suggests that the growth of the fig tree's leaves mirrors the increase in the nation's size since its inception in 1948. Since the nation's founding, Israel has gained territory in the Golan Heights from Syria in the northeast, the West Bank of the Jordan River, southern Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai Desert from Egypt. As of today, April 2025, much of this territory has been relinquished. If this interpretation holds, why did Jesus mention the phrase “and all the trees?” (v. 29). I do not believe that Jesus' reference to acquiring more territory by the State of Israel is a tenable interpretation of the parable.

2) The second interpretation, which this writer supports, suggests that just as new leaves and growth appear on a deciduous tree before it bears fruit, such as a fig tree and others like it, it indicates that summer is near, and the harvesting of the tree's fruit is imminent. In this view, when you observe the signs of the times that Jesus mentioned (Luke 21:8-11, and 25-26), you will know that the coming of Christ is approaching, represented here as summer and the time of harvest. I believe this interpretation is supported by Jesus’ use of the phrase "these things" in the following verses:

9And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once” (Luke 21:9; emphasis added).

28Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31).

Jesus is saying that you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near (the coming of Christ) by looking around at what is happening. The signs Jesus spoke of in Luke 21, Matthew 24, and 25, and Mark 13 are beginning to occur, and we should prepare ourselves for His coming. Are you engaging in anything that displeases God? Repent (change your mind and direction in life) and let go of it! Seek Christ with all your heart, and may you be found in Him at harvest time. Keith Thomas

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To read this topic in depth, go to the All Studies box on the Home Page, click on the Gospel of Luke, and scroll down until you come to study 57. Luke 21:29-38.The Parable of the Fig Tree.