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Budding Fig Tree (Fig Tree
Lesson)
Matthew 24:32–35; Mark 13:28–31;
Luke 21:29–33
Opening: Learn the Season
from the Tree
Jesus points to a simple, yearly scene: a fig tree sends out tender
shoots, leaves appear, and everyone knows summer stands near. He
calls this a lesson. When certain signs appear, discerning hearts
should recognize what stands at the door. The picture is plain, the
charge is serious: learn, read the season, and respond with
obedience.
Context: On the Mount, Facing
a Tumultuous Horizon
The setting is the Mount of Olives. The disciples ask about the
temple’s fall and the timing of the Lord’s coming. Jesus describes
upheaval, persecution, false messengers, and a surrounding of
Jerusalem that signals desolation. Within that discourse He offers
the fig tree. The leaves teach timing; the Master’s words secure
certainty.
“These Things” Within a
Generation
Jesus says, “When you see these things… know that it is near, at the
doors… this generation will by no means pass away till all these
things take place” (Matthew 24:33–34). The nearest horizon concerns
the ruin of Jerusalem and the end of the temple system—events that
unfolded within the lifetime of that audience. Disciples in the
first century used the Lord’s markers to flee, serve, and keep the
faith when the city fell.
An Enduring Word for Every
Disciple
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass
away” (Matthew 24:35). The leaves guided the first disciples through
a national crisis. The promise guides every disciple through every
age. Kingdom citizens live ready lives, anchored in the certainty of
what Jesus has spoken. His word holds when stones tumble, cities
burn, or eras shift.
Two Horizons to Hold in View
The discourse moves from a near crisis to the final consummation.
The fig tree helps with the first: “these things” would occur before
that generation ended. The next section (Matthew 24:36 and
parallels) speaks of “that day and hour” which no one knows. Wisdom
keeps both truths: use the Lord’s signs when He gives them, and stay
watchful when no clock is given. Read the leaves He has placed
before you; keep a ready life when no leaves appear.
What the Fig Tree Teaches
Today
The Lord trains disciples to think biblically about times. Panic
fades when Scripture sets expectations. Presumption fades when
Scripture withholds dates. A steady heart grows from three choices:
let the context govern interpretation, let obedience govern
response, and let the Lord’s reliability govern hope. He said it; it
stands. He warned; we prepare. He promises; we endure.
Marks of Readiness
Jesus’ sermon surrounds the fig tree with practical duties—endure
under pressure, speak truth, care for brethren, refuse deception,
and keep working while you watch (Matthew 24–25). Wise servants
refuse both slumber and frenzy. They keep their post, handle their
tasks, measure every message by Scripture, and live as though the
Master may arrive today.
Application: Reading Leaves
in Our Lives
When pressures rise—political, cultural, or personal—disciples often
look for a calendar. The fig tree resets the aim. Discern the
season; keep the commands. Avoid date-setting. Avoid dullness. Use
known duties as your daily schedule: worship in sincerity, speak
with integrity, serve without delay, pray with vigilance, and hold
fast to every word the Lord has spoken.
Conclusion: Summer Near, Word
Certain
Tender branches announce a season. In the same way the Lord’s
markers announced a coming judgment in the first century, and His
promises announce a coming day beyond every calendar. The safe place
remains unchanged: do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21), build on the
Lord’s sayings, and trust the permanence of His word when everything
else shifts.
Exhaustive Sermon Outline
- Setting and Question
- Mount of Olives
discourse; questions about temple and the Lord’s coming
(Matthew 24:1–3; Mark 13:1–4; Luke 21:5–7)
- The Parable Stated
- Fig tree puts forth
leaves; observers know summer is near (Matthew 24:32; Mark
13:28; Luke 21:29–30)
- “So also, when you see
these things, know it is near, at the doors” (Matthew 24:33)
- Near Horizon: “These
Things” and “This Generation”
- Persecution, deceivers,
Jerusalem surrounded by armies, abomination of desolation
(Matthew 24:15–22; Luke 21:20–24)
- Fulfillment within that
generation (Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32)
- Enduring Certainty
- “Heaven and earth will
pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35;
Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33)
- Distant Horizon: Unknown
Day
- Shift to “that day and
hour” unknown (Matthew 24:36–44; Mark 13:32–37)
- Duties of watchfulness
and faithfulness (Matthew 24:45–51)
- Doctrinal Anchors
- Doing the Father’s will
as the measure of safety (Matthew 7:21)
- The Lord binds
salvation to those who obey (Hebrews 5:9)
- Scripture as the only
reliable guide; avoid additions and subtractions (1
Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19)
- Practical Responses
- Read in context; avoid
speculation (Acts 17:11)
- Live ready lives:
honest worship, steady service, tested teaching (Matthew
24–25)
- Encourage endurance
amid upheaval (Hebrews 10:23–25)
- Invitational Aim
- Begin with the Lord’s
appointed response to the gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16;
Romans 6:3–4)
- Continue in obedience
while you watch (Matthew 24:42; 1 Corinthians 15:58)
Call to Action
Set your footing on the Lord’s words. Obey the gospel—believe,
repent, confess Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins.
Then live awake: measure every season by Scripture, keep the duties
He assigned, and hold to His unbreakable word.
Scripture Reference List
(with notes)
- Matthew 24:32–35; Mark
13:28–31; Luke 21:29–33 — The fig tree lesson: learn seasons,
trust His word
- Matthew 24:1–3 — Disciples’
questions frame the discourse
- Matthew 24:15–22; Luke
21:20–24 — Near signs tied to Jerusalem’s fall
- Matthew 24:34 — “This
generation” promise of near fulfillment
- Matthew 24:35 — Permanence
of Jesus’ word
- Matthew 24:36–44; Mark
13:32–37 — Unknown day; command to watch
- Matthew 7:21 — Entrance
tied to doing the Father’s will
- Hebrews 5:9 — Salvation to
those who obey
- 1 Corinthians 4:6;
Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19 — Keep within the written
word
- Acts 17:11 — Noble testing
of teaching by Scripture
- Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16;
Romans 6:3–4 — Appointed response to the gospel
- Matthew 24–25 — Ongoing
duties of readiness and faithfulness
- Hebrews 10:23–25 — Hold
fast and encourage one another
Prepared by David Hersey of the
church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
