Scripture:
Matthew 24:30-36
Reflection:
In recent weeks, we have thought about some of the species mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8 – the olive, vine, date-palm and pomegranate. Today we conclude with the fig-tree, and at the same time, introduce the theme of ‘summer’ which we will follow… well, during summer!
Figs, or fig trees are mentioned 48 times in the Bible, although some of these references are to the Sycamore-fig, known as the poor man’s fig. This is mostly likely to have been the type of tree which Zacchaeus climbed.
The fig is indigenous to the Middle East and East Mediterranean area. It can grow into a tree 11m high, but in more rocky places, forms a shrub with many stems. It has been cultivated since early times and seems to have been an important part of the diet, judging by the Israelites’ complaint in Numbers 20:5.
The first mention of the fig in the Bible comes in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve took fig leaves to cover their nakedness – not a very noble start to the lessons of the fig tree!
In the Old Testament, however, the fig is often mentioned in connection with the vine and the olive as an indication of God’s blessing. The mention in Deuteronomy 8:8 comes in a passage describing the blessings of the land of Israel – the land of promise - and this is seen again in 1 Kings 4:25: During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel… lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree. An idyllic scene.
But in Matthew 24, Jesus takes the fig tree as an illustration of the ‘signs of the times.’ Knowing that in an agrarian society the people understood the changing seasons, the weather and the cycle of sowing and harvesting, he says, Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: as soon as its twigs become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near (v.32).
The verse comes in a difficult passage, which has been variously interpreted. Jesus uses ‘apocalyptic language’ in this passage, that is, prophecy of the end of times which uses dramatic, cataclysmic language, not intended to be interpreted literally, but used to stress the seriousness of what is to come. From verses 1 and 34, we might conclude that Jesus’ immediate reference was to the coming events of 70AD, when the Romans invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. This would have felt like the end of the age for the Jews. However, there seems to be a much wider application for us, the core of which is that we need to be ready for the return of the Son of Man (v.30f).
Yes, in a world where there is constant war, famines, earthquakes (24:6f), we need to be alert to the fact that Jesus will return at some point. How much worse things will get before that, no-one knows. But maybe the twigs are becoming tender and the leaves are coming out on the fig tree (v.32). We do not know the exact time when the Son of Man will return, not even the angels in Heaven know that (v.36), but we can be wise to the signs and prepare.
And see that it’s summer that’s coming, not winter.
How thankful I am that Jesus added v.35, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Amidst the destruction foretold, there is one thing which stands untouched – the Word of God. When Jesus promised, ‘…if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me’ (John 14:3). That’ll be summer!
Proverbs 30:5 says, ‘Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him’.
Are you ready?
Prayer:
Lord, give us a longing for your return, when this world will be put to rights, and we
will be home with you. AMEN
Song:
There is a day – Lou and Nathan Fellingham
How Great thou art (When Christ shall come)
Food for Thought:
Amidst the worries and uncertainties of life, take some time to focus on the promises
of God, and express your trust in him for the future.