Fig Tree Parable

[SaltwaterGirl]

Why do you think Jesus commanded his disciples to learn a parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28?

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[Mofastus]

The Coming of the Son of Man
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.



Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Song of Solomon 2:11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Song of Solomon 2:13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Food for thought

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

"He spake also this parable; 'A certain man had a fig tree planted IN his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.'" - Luke 13:6



Isa5:7a tells us "For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel..."


Conclusion: according to Lk13:6, I believe the "a fig tree" is something DISTINCT FROM (but somewhat related to) "His vineyard [/Israel]".



Something to consider. = )



[studying the contexts surrounding these various "fig tree" parables is... interesting ]

 

[SaltwaterGirl]

This parable is one we need to learn because, for one, Jesus tells us to learn it! So it must be extremely important, especially since this parable is contained in the Olivet Prophecy that we see in Mark 13, Matthew 24 and Luke 21. Let me go ahead and post the 13th chapter of Mark so that we can see the parable of the fig tree in context:

Mark 13

Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
13 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”
2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak,but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

The Great Tribulation
14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 Buttake heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

The Coming of the Son of Man
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

The Parable of the Fig Tree
28 “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. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

No One Knows the Day or Hour
32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

 

[SaltwaterGirl]

In Mark 13:3, we can see that Jesus’ disciples really want their Teacher to tell them when the end times would be fulfilled. When will the end be? Sounds like modern-day questions, doesn’t it? What are the signs that we are to be looking for that will show us that the return of our Messiah is near—at the doors? Then Jesus tells them, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree.”
Now let’s look in Luke:

Luke 13:6-9
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

So in this parable, who does the “certain man” represent? ….and why does he want the fig tree cut down? ….and how does the parable of the fig tree relate to the end of this age and the return of Jesus?

 

[Omegatime]

I understand this scripture ( Mark 13:28 ) telling about the Lord's coming (Resurrection ) as a springtime event

 

[Mofastus]

I see men as trees, said a blind man...

 

[Mofastus]

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

 

[Mofastus]

out of tribulation

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

Now let’s look in Luke:
Luke 13:6-9
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

So in this parable, who does the “certain man” represent? ….and why does he want the fig tree cut down? ….and how does the parable of the fig tree relate to the end of this age and the return of Jesus?

So, in my previous post, where I'd said, "studying the contexts surrounding these "fig tree" parables is interesting" (and I had mentioned the one in Lk13), I was thinking of things like the following (second part, below):

Luke 13 -

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
(Isaiah 5:1-7) [TDW: see the whole chapter of Isaiah 5 to get the wider picture]

6 And He was speaking this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted IN his vineyard [see Isa5:7a]; and he came seeking fruit on it, and not did find any. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Behold, throughout these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and do not find any. Therefore cut it down! Why even should it use up the ground?’

8 And answering, he says to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I shall dig around it, and put in manure, 9 and if indeed it should bear fruit in the time, so be it. But if not, you will cut it down.’”

Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath

10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbaths. 11 And behold, a woman having a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and she was bent over and not able to lift herself up to the full. 12 And having seen her, Jesus called her near and said to her, “Woman, you have been freed from your sickness.” 13 And He laid the hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight and began to glorify God.

14 And answering, the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, was saying to the crowd, “There are six days in which it behooves one to work. Therefore coming, be healed in these, and not on the day of the Sabbath.”

15 Therefore the Lord answered him and said, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you untie his ox or donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and having led it away, give it to drink? 16 And this, being a daughter of Abraham whom Satan has bound, behold, eighteen years, ought she not to be loosed from this bond on the day of the Sabbath?”

17 And of Him saying these things, all those opposed to Him were ashamed; and the whole crowd was rejoicing at all the glorious things that were being done by Him.








Just something to consider. = )

 

[SaltwaterGirl]

In Mark 13:3, we can see that Jesus’ disciples really want their Teacher to tell them when the end times would be fulfilled. When will the end be? Sounds like modern-day questions, doesn’t it? What are the signs that we are to be looking for that will show us that the return of our Messiah is near—at the doors? Then Jesus tells them, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree.”
Now let’s look in Luke:

Luke 13:6-9
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

So in this parable, who does the “certain man” represent? ….and why does he want the fig tree cut down? ….and how does the parable of the fig tree relate to the end of this age and the return of Jesus?

The “certain man” represents Jesus. After waiting 3 years, He came expecting to find a healthy tree full of good figs, ripe and mature. The good-for-nothing tree didn’t even give off any seeds to plant, more than likely. So what good was that fig tree? It was good for nothing! Might as well cut it down. I’ll bet it just had a bunch of pretty green leaves for show—a fake! Now who does that remind you of?

 

[Omegatime]

The “certain man” represents Jesus. After waiting 3 years, He came expecting to find a healthy tree full of good figs, ripe and mature. The good-for-nothing tree didn’t even give off any seeds to plant, more than likely. So what good was that fig tree? It was good for nothing! Might as well cut it down. I’ll bet it just had a bunch of pretty green leaves for show—a fake! Now who does that remind you of?

I like the way you think Saltwater Girl. No doubt the fig tree was israel and they were to take the Word of God to the Gentiles but failed miserably.

 

[Mofastus]

aren't you glad we're just sheep ! oh wait so were they... Paul spoke of a bigger issue that we all still need to consider (just a thought).

Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

tree language and all... baa baa...

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I think if we go all the way back to the beginning, He spoke of the things which would be at the beginning. The wars, the famines, the pestilence the earthquakes etc etc.

This is the signs, the birth pangs as people call them. WHich are showing something is about to happen.

Then we will see other stuff. But the big one is the AOD spoken of by Daniel in which case, All hell will break lose and destruction and great tribulation. Which will not end, until christ returns.

He is telling that generation (I believe ours) when you see these things, Don't just ignore them. You know that the events will take place soon. So you are not caught off guard.

 

[Blik]

"He spake also this parable; 'A certain man had a fig tree planted IN his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.'" - Luke 13:6

Isa5:7a tells us "For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel..."

Conclusion: according to Lk13:6, I believe the "a fig tree" is something DISTINCT FROM (but somewhat related to) "His vineyard [/Israel]".

Something to consider. = )

[studying the contexts surrounding these various "fig tree" parables is... interesting ]

Your personal decision that when the Lord speaks to us of his vineyard, the definition of that word is actually Israel is a major decision about what God tells us, and not up to you personally, but up to God. Would you show us where you feel scripture backs this very strange idea up?

 

[SaltwaterGirl]

I like the way you think Saltwater Girl. No doubt the fig tree was israel and they were to take the Word of God to the Gentiles but failed miserably.

Yes, and still today, God is still waiting for this generation to produce fruit—the fields are ripe! In 1948, Israel became a state, and yet, there are many Jews that still don’t believe in Jesus. Still no fruit; just leaves. And before too long, Satan, the fake (false) christ will be here, an untimely fig, a fig out of season—he comes at the 6th trump before Jesus Christ, who comes at the 7th trump.

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Rev. 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;​

[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.​

Hey folks, we are the fig tree generation! ….and it’s time we get serious about spreading the Truth of God’s Word!

 

[akaBeliever]

In Mark 13:3, we can see that Jesus’ disciples really want their Teacher to tell them when the end times would be fulfilled. When will the end be? Sounds like modern-day questions, doesn’t it? What are the signs that we are to be looking for that will show us that the return of our Messiah is near—at the doors? Then Jesus tells them, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree.”
Now let’s look in Luke:

Luke 13:6-9
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

So in this parable, who does the “certain man” represent? ….and why does he want the fig tree cut down? ….and how does the parable of the fig tree relate to the end of this age and the return of Jesus?

This is a great topic, @SaltwaterGirl…. On the surface, this parable seems to be such a simple little story; yet it has layer upon layer of significance. The first time we hear about it in scripture, Jesus is talking with some people who have been telling him about some Galileans who had died sudden tragic deaths, and He seized upon that teachable moment to remind them that sudden death could come to them as well, and twice, He said to them, “but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). Then Jesus told them the parable—a parable of warning. Repent before it’s too late.

As far as I know, this is the only parable that we are commanded to learn, I believe because it has special significance to those of us who have repented and are followers of Christ. When Jesus mentions the parable again in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, He is in private conversation with His disciples. They want to know when the end of this age will be and how they will know when the end is near. He first warns them not to allow anyone to deceive them, and then He prophesies the events that will come before the end. Times will be hard, and people will be looking for relief; but Jesus again warns, “Then if anyone says to you. ‘Look, here is the Christ! or There! do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand“ (Matthew 24:23-25).

Jesus commands His disciples to learn the parable of the fig tree as a warning to us to be not only watchful for the signs of the end, but also to be ready for the harvest. We must remain faithful until that Day comes, and not be led astray by anyone pretending to be Christ. When all these signs come to pass, including the appearance of antichrist, just as a fig tree is ready to produce fruit worthy of harvest, Jesus will be ready to return and gather us home. And although every knee will bow on that Day, repentance will be too,late for those who have been deceived.

 

[akaBeliever]

In 1948, Israel became a state, and yet, there are many Jews that still don’t believe in Jesus. Still no fruit; just leaves.

Yes, many people believe that 1948 signaled the beginning of the generation of the fig tree, the last generation before Christ’s return.

I am reminded of the beautiful passage in Jeremiah 24 when God promised to return His people to their land. He did what He promised, and now remains only this final time (the fig tree generation) to acknowledge Jesus as Savior and become beneficiaries of His grace.

Jeremiah 24:4-7…. NKJV

4 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans. 6 For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. 7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.

 

[DavidTree]

Israel cannot produce fruit but it has sprouted new leaves = 1948 to Today

The OT and the NT are still here on earth witnessing around the world -
The Jews are the witness of the Law in this aspect = Jeremiah 31:35-37
The witness of Salvation is only with His Body who cover the earth in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14

The Law is limited in that it cannot Save anyone and therefore is limited to the Jews who are in darkness and bondage with it.

GRACE is the Witness of LIFE and that LIFE is in His Son and the Son's Bride = His Elect/the Saints = Revelation 22:17

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.

There are THREE who bare Witness in Heaven to ALL things

The Son = This Gospel will be preached throughout the world and then the End.
The Father = He alone knows the Day and Hour
The Holy Spirit = Only HE who now restrains will do so until HE is taken out of the way = of the man of sin

 

[Diakonos]

Why do you think Jesus commanded his disciples to learn a parable of the fig tree in Mark 13:28?

So that eschatological context could be discerned.

The parable of the Fig tree was not a new parable; the Fig tree is parabolically used all over the place in the OT. In the OT, the Vine represents spiritual Israel, while the Fig tree represents national Israel. Go read the parable of the Fig tree (throughout the OT) and you will see what Jesus meant by this. The fact that he tied the Fig tree (national Israel) is used the Olivet discourse gives us context for these eschatological events. This is perfectly in line with how Daniel described them as "decreed for your people (the Jews) and your holy city (Jerusalem) (Dan 9:24). Jesus also mentioned Jerusalem in the same discourse. Matthew 24 is Jesus' prophesy of the events that revolve around National Israel in the land of Israel in the last days. The full description is found in the OT prophets, and their chronological culmination of these prophesies is outlined in Revelation 6-19.

There will be a one-world government with a one-world religion ruled by the man of lawlessness (2 Thess 2:3).
It's all over the news; it's already unfolding. Do Not Be Deceived. How exactly do we not be deceived?... get in the Word every day...and not just the NT. Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God is what we shall live by...our daily bread.