Matthew 24:32-33

The lesson (Gr. parabole, lit. parable) of the fig tree is quite simple. As the appearance of tender twigs and leaves on a fig tree indicate the nearness of summer, so the appearance of the signs Jesus explained would indicate that His coming is near.

A popular interpretation of this parable equates modern Israel’s presence in the Promised Land with the budding of the fig tree. [Note: Gaebelien, 2:213-14; Kelly, p. 451.] This view may be placing too much emphasis on the identification of the fig tree with the modern State of Israel (cf. Jeremiah 24:1-8; Jeremiah 29:17). On the other hand this could be at least part of what Jesus intended. Many commentators take this parable as describing the destruction of Jerusalem. [Note: E.g., Morgan, p. 286; Allen, p. 259; and Tasker, p. 227.] As mentioned before, this is probably not correct.