Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 24:32-36
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mark 13:28-33
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Luke 21:29-36
Jesus clearly states that when the signs He has been describing in the Olivet Discourse are seen, His return is imminent. In other words, the signs which can occur over time show that His return can come at any moment. And, the signs which are larger and more powerful show that His return is happening right then.
Remember, Jesus has warned us to not speculate or try to figure out the moment He will return. We just need to be looking forward to it!
Jesus also states that “this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” This has a few reasonable explanations.
The first interpretation that deserves consideration is that there are multiple fulfillments, or multiple-step fulfillments, of these prophecies. For instance:
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Matthew 16:28
Jesus came into His kingdom at the resurrection and the full realization of His kingdom will be on His return at the end of time. But, this scripture from Matthew 16 was fulfilled on the Mount of Transfiguration.
This event certifies that the other two events are certain to come to pass. It is like the first domino in a line has been tipped. The last domino hasn’t fallen, but it is certain that it will!
Another interpretation is that Jesus may be referring to the last generation that will live on earth. So, He is saying that His return will occur in the same generation that the miraculous signs occur.
Finally, Jesus hints that His return will coincide with the end of time and space when He says that “heaven and earth will pass away.” The disciples, and many today, were looking for an earthly, political kingdom. Jesus reminds them, and us, that His kingdom is not bound by heaven and earth but is sustained and promoted by His own testimony.
NO ONE KNOWS WHEN JESUS IS COMING – Even putting together the signs does not mean you can pinpoint the time of the event. Jesus has told us that we cannot know the moment, so it is vain to try. But that does not mean we should stop looking for His return.
If we get caught up in the affairs of the world, we will lose hope of Christ’s return and become unloving.
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Matthew 24:48-49
The theme of people being caught by surprise and those expecting the return of Jesus will be treated in several ways in the verses that follow in the Discourse.
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