The Fig Tree Lesson:

Matthew 24:32-35 “...From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away...”

Mark 13:28-31 “...From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away...”

Luke 21:29-33 “...And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away...”

What do you know when leaves come out on trees?

• Trees leafing is a spring time event that heralds the coming of summer.
• You know what comes next.

What had Jesus just been talking about?

• Signs of the end of the age.
• The great tribulation.
• The normal things in life falling completely apart.

What are these things indicating?

• What comes next is about to come next.
• The kingdom of God is near.

What will pass away?

• Heaven and Earth.
• Revelation 21:1 “...Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more...”

What will not pass away?

• The words of Jesus.

What generation will not pass away until all has taken place?

• It couldn’t be the generation at the time of His words because they passed away.
• It must refer to the generation living at the time of the events that precede His second coming.

What will that generation see?

• That which generation after generation has longed to see.
• The founding of the kingdom of God.

Why do you think the words of Jesus are important?

• They are the truth that we need, the everlasting truth.
• They explain what we need to know.
• They are given by God Incarnate to His created world. 
• They should not be ignored.