This article was written for the people whom stumble on the fact that Israel is the "Fig tree" in the "Parable of the Fig Tree". I truly believe that Israel is represented by the fig tree in the parable. I wrote this article from another point of view so that the people who stumble on this fact can still know that we are in the end times. In other words, the parable is about the prophecy and the prophecy is about the parable. I use compelling arguments to show that no matter how this parable is taken, the 70/80 year generation started when Israel became a nation. If you want to read the other point of view on this parable click here! Enjoy!
"The parable of the Fig Tree" (Matthew24:32-34) is commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted as bible prophecy. It is important to understand that the parable of the fig tree is not a prophecy in and by itself. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. (33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors. (34) Verily I say unto you, THIS GENERATION shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled..” (Matthew 24:32-34). Jesus makes it very clear, that the signs represent His return as the budding of a tree represents that summer in near. Although Israel is referred to as the fig tree in the bible, I want to make it very clear that this parable is not referring to Israel, but the signs only. If you look at Luke's account of the same parable it is obvious that they are speaking of the signs and not Israel as being the fig tree. "And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; (30) When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. (31) So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." (Luke 21:29-31). Luke's account of the same parable included "all trees" and does not single out the fig tree by itself. This is not a contradiction; but rather, a specific detail to the meaning of this parable. Let's remember, Jesus knew that this parable would be misinterpreted, so He kindly gave us Luke's account to assure us that He was comparing His signs to a literal tree. The second and most important part to this parable is that Jesus gives us a time stamp of when He will return! He says that when we see these signs being fulfilled, we should know that this generation will not pass without seeing His return! According to the bible a generation is generally seventy years. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalms 26:90:10) Three score equals sixty years and if you add ten, it equals seventy. Literally, this parable by itself refers to the signs that Jesus gave. But what signs? All of them or just the few given in Matthew and Luke? I believe we have to look at all of the signs to figure out what make this parable a part of prophecy!
We have to go back to the book of Ezekiel to understand what makes this parable a part of prophecy. “After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.” (Ezekiel 38:8). Ezekiel states, in the latter years Israel will become a nation and will dwell safely in the land. This is important because Israel became a nation in 1948. Thus, putting us in the latter years or the end times. Let's see what Jeremiah had to say about the returning of Israel! “Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for their good. (6) For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down, and I will plant them, and not pluck them up." (Jeremiah 24:5-6). Here we see that Jesus has brought Israel back to their land and He says that they will be planted there never to be plucked up or removed again."And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24). Luke 21:24 tells us that in the end times the Jews would return to Jerusalem and the gentiles would be removed until the age of grace is completed. Are you paying attention? The parable of the fig tree says: "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." (Luke 21:31). Jesus says in Matthew: "Verily I say unto you, THIS GENERATION shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled..” (Matthew 24:34)! Do you see the correlation between the parable of the fig tree and prophecy? It's not a prophecy in and by itself, but it's a hidden prophecy that literally means that Israel becoming a nation is the start of the latter days. Jesus tells us to "Learn" the parable of the fig tree, which means there is something deeper than the surface meaning. He could have said; let him that readeth understand, but instead he used "learn". Using the word "learn" confuses the reader and hides the end time prophecy. Jesus taught in parables so that those who stay in the scripture will understand and those who don't stay in the scripture will be confused by the surface message. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us as a great comforter and a guide to all things concerning Jesus, so ask the Holy Spirit for understanding.
Now we see that we are in the latter years as described by Ezekiel and Israel is surrounded by armies. "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." (Luke 21:20). The desolation is the antichrist and the antichrist in the end times will sign a false peace treaty with many to kick off the tribulation. "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (Daniel 9:27). With the middle east in turmoil and Israel being forced into a false peace covenant (dividing Jerusalem), we can see that the church age is soon to be raptured. We are in the latter days and the full number of the gentiles are almost brought in. If you have not accepted Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior please do so soon as time is running out. http://scriptureprophecy.com/
