Mark 13:28-32 – Lessons from the fig tree

In these verses, the Lord used the fig tree to illustrate some very needful lessons for the disciples. Like them, we need to have our ears perked up to pick up the spiritual lessons from the parable of the fig tree. What exactly can we learn from the fig tree?

Firstly, the fig tree indicates the changing of a season. When a physical fig tree is budding, its branches will become tender and the leaves begin to show. Looking at that one can sure that summer is coming. From natural observation Jesus said, we know the season. During springtime when a tree begins to gain leaves, one will know that after spring would come summer. Here’s a lesson we can derive from, that is: God is faithful. The promises He had already fulfilled assure us that He will fulfill all other promises that He had made.  

Secondly, the parable of the fig tree was the Lord’s call to His disciples to be discerning, to look beyond just the natural. He had just recently pronounced a curse on a luxuriant fig tree full of leaves but bearing no fruit. It stood for Israel, the temple and all those in-charge of it. Israel would pay dearly for her fruitlessness. It was about to be destroyed. But soon another fig tree would be cultivated and growing. It would be the community of believers in Christ, called the church. It would usher in a new season of fruit-bearing. The temple of this new community would be raised by the Spirit and not made with human hands. The demise of the first temple is not the end of God’s work, it’s an indication of a new direction God was taking. The Lord expects us, His new community to be fruit-bearing. He is working out His divine purpose through the church. When we know who we are in Christ and who we are serving, the church should be the greatest force on earth.

In verses 30-32, the Lord very quickly turned to make a solemn statement. He said, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away. But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but the Father alone.”  

These few verses had given us some difficulties but we are not called to speculate. What Jesus was saying to them was this: whatever God had scheduled to happen within that generation would happen and it did. Events such as the desecration and destruction of the temple actually took place as Jesus had predicted. But He clearly made known to them that not a single person knew when His return would be. The timing of His return, He said, was a closely guarded secret that the Father alone knows. However, as everyone waits for His coming, each one should reckon every minute with anticipation that He can come anytime. This will keep them staying alert and on their toes.

Isn’t this how we should also conduct our lives? We must reckon every minute as if the Lord can come anytime. But when we serve Him, we must serve faithfully and work diligently as if it would take a long while more before He will come. This will help us to stay alert to His coming and stay committed and faithful in service.