Parable Of The Fig Tree Luke 21: 29 - 33
Today we are talking about Jesus' parable of the fig tree and its prophetic relevance to the AD70 destruction of Jerusalem. The parable was recorded by several of Jesus' disciples and each one gave different parts of the prophecy.
The parable began when the disciples showed Jesus the lovely stones used to build the temple
One record is in Luke 21. The disciples had shown Jesus the beautiful jewels that decorated the temple in Jerusalem. He shocked them by saying that the stones would all be broken down one day. Amazed, the disciples asked Jesus when that would happen.
Jesus told the disciples about the events that would precede the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple
Jesus gave the time and events of the destruction. In Luke 21 verses 20 to 24, He said that the desolation would be preceded by armies surrounding Jerusalem. The disciples were warned to flee into the mountains because there would be great distress in the city. Jesus also said that the war would end with many dead Jews and with many being carried away as captives to other nations.
Jesus then used the Parable of the Fig Tree to reveal the TIME of the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple
The Lord then gave the timing of the destruction of Jerusalem in the parable of the fig tree. Here's what Jesus said in Luke 21: 29 to 33.
He said:
"Think about the fig tree and all the other trees. When you see the leaves starting to grow, you know that summer is almost here.
In the same way, when you see these things happening, you’ll know that God’s kingdom is close.
I promise you, the people alive today won’t die until all of this happens.
The sky and the earth will disappear one day, but My words will last forever and never go away."
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Spiritual Meaning Of The Fig Tree In The Bible
The fig tree, is scientifically known as Ficus carica. It is a small, tree that typically thrives in warm, sunny climates like Israel. In the bible, the fig tree was used to represent the nation of Israel.
Growth Cycle Of The Fig Tree
In ancient times, the fig tree followed a fascinating seasonal cycle that was closely observed by people. They paid attention to the time that the leaves appeared, to the time of the leaves, first figs and fully ripe fruit.
The timing of the leaves and fruit are important in understanding the timing of Jesus' parable about the destruction of Jerusalem:
1. Time the leaves appeared: Leaves typically start to emerge in March, marking the beginning of spring. Spring begins the day after the Spring Equinox in March each year. The appearance of leaves is a sign of renewal and growth, as the tree prepared for its fruiting phase.
2. First Figs or Early Figs: The early crop, also known as "breba figs," begins to develop shortly after the leaves appear. They could be harvested in May or June.
3. Full Bloom and Main Crop: The fig tree produces most of the fruit between July to September. These fruits are larger and sweeter than the early figs.
Jesus Warned That Some Of The Disciples Would Be Alive When Jerusalem Would Be Destroyed
Do you remember that Jesus warned the disciples that this generation of people alive at the time would not die until the events took place? That means He was speaking about something that would happen in Jerusalem in a few years, not thousands of years away.
In fact, Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in great detail. He told His disciples exactly how it would happen. A prophet by the name of Daniel was the first to foretell this event. He called it the abomination of desolation or abominable desolation. This prophecy is found in Daniel 8.
Jerusalem, Israel
Jesus foretold these events would take place around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem:
1. Jesus warned that the disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem. He called it the "abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet." ( Mat 24:15, Mar 13:14).
2. Jesus warned that some of the people in His time would be alive: "I promise you, the people alive today won’t die until all of this happens." Luk 21:32
3. The Lord warned that armies would surround Jerusalem before its destruction:
"... when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation ... is nigh. (Luk 21:20).
4. Jesus even told in the parable that the Roman army, the eagles would do the destruction. This is because double headed eagle was on the coat of arms of the Roman Empire:
“For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together" Mat 24:28
Wailing Wall, Jerusalem
5. He warned the disciples to FLEE from Jerusalem because there would be great tribulation in the city:
“Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her." Luke 21:21
“For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." Luke 21:22
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. Luke 21:23
6. Jesus said that their enemies would build an embankment or trench around the city and destroy it entirely Luk 19:43 and Luk 19:44:
“For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,
“and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Wailing Wall Jerusalem
7. Jesus also warned that many people would die and that others would be carried away as captives to other nations:
“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." Luk 21:24
Were Jesus' Prophecies About The Destruction Of Jerusalem Fulfilled?
Yes they were!
The Jews living in Judah began a revolt against the Roman Empire in 66AD. In response, the Roman King placed Judah under attack beginning in the year 66AD. The Romans wanted the territory back under their rule.
After three and a half years of warfare, the Roman king sent his son Titus to lead the army. Here's what happened:
a. March 70 CE - the Roman army broke through the walls - matching the time fig leaves begin to appear:
The Romans began their assault on Jerusalem with the help of four Roman legions. Titus conducted a strong military attack and dug a trench around Jerusalem. He also killed escapees and people could not go in or out of the city. Many people died inside from starvation.
Despite strong resistance from the defenders, the Romans broke through the city's walls and forced the defenders into the temple property.
b. Around August 4th 70AD - the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the beautiful temple - matching the time of the Full Bloom and Main Crop of Figs:
Around August 4th, AD 70, Titus finally took control of Jerusalem. He destroyed the city entirely, burned the Jewish temple, killed many people and carried the living away captives.
Jerusalem has been occupied by non-Jews for over two thousand years, but Jesus will rebuild the Temple when He reigns in the earth.
Parable Of The Fig Tree Bible Verses Luke 21: 29-33
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,
6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.
31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.
33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
