Let's look at the lesson of the fig tree. While not calling it a fig tree, John the Baptist identifies it as a tree bearing fruit early in Mat 3. He makes it clear the time is near:
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
The idea that a tree not bearing fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire is repeated later by Jesus in Mat 21: Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. Notice where they are - near Jerusalem.
Then in Mat 24 hours before His crucifixion what does Jesus say? 32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
It shouldn't be so hard to us brothers and sisters. Jesus taught the lesson of the fig tree and it was about to happen really soon, to this generation.
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
What was taken from whom? The kingdom was taken away from the phony Jewish religious leaders of the day and it was given to the church made up of all believers.
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
The idea that a tree not bearing fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire is repeated later by Jesus in Mat 21: Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. Notice where they are - near Jerusalem.
Then in Mat 24 hours before His crucifixion what does Jesus say? 32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
It shouldn't be so hard to us brothers and sisters. Jesus taught the lesson of the fig tree and it was about to happen really soon, to this generation.
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
What was taken from whom? The kingdom was taken away from the phony Jewish religious leaders of the day and it was given to the church made up of all believers.