29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
In verses 29-33, Jesus offers the parable of the fig tree. The fig tree illustration teaches us that we can tell the future by watching the signs of its coming.
21:29
Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
We can understand prophecy by looking at seasons through the spring leaves of the tree, including trees other than the fig tree.
21:30
When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.
We know that summer is near when the leaves sprout.
21:31
So you also, when you see these things happening,
“These things” refers to the Son of Man’s coming in verses 25-26.
know that the kingdom of God is near.
One can tell the season by the leaves on the trees. Jesus’ point is that God has provided signs in the world that point to Jesus’ Second Coming, or the consummation of Christ’s kingdom. During the Tribulation, people can know the coming of Jesus’ kingdom by the unusual cosmological signs leading up to the event.
21:32
Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.
The word “assuredly” is emphatic in Greek, making the term unequivocal. Jesus offers solemnity to His comments by the word “assuredly.” People can know that Jesus’ kingdom is nearby.
The “generation” here is the last or final generation before Jesus’ return, and it will be like the generation of Jesus.
21:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Jesus’ words about the events of the Second Coming will never pass away. This verse affirms the certainty of Jesus’ prediction about the Second Coming.
PRINCIPLE:
Jews can have assurance of the Second Coming by the definite signs Jesus predicted.
APPLICATION:
Jesus offers assurance about His Second Coming by the phrase “I tell you the truth” (Lu 21:32) and “My words will by no means pass away.” These words assure Israel during the Tribulation that Jesus will come again.
In the church age, believers are to look forward to the blessed hope (Tit 2:13) and the blessed hope and appearing of Jesus’ glory (1 Th 1:10). We are to love His appearing (2 Tim 4:8). There will come a time when believers experience the glorious manifestation of the sons of God at Christ’s return (Ro 8:13-23).
