Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 32

 The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Matthew 24:32 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:”

parable of the... First of five parables in Matthew 24-25: the fig tree, illustrating the nearness of His return (Mat. 24:32-33). These are the last five parables in Matthew.

A parable (τὴς παραβολήν)

More strictly, the parable which she has to teach. Rightly, therefore, Rev., her parable.

the fig tree... It is universally interpreted to mean the Jewish nation, but this could not possibly be the meaning. Just like a fig tree (Luke adds, and all the trees, Mat. 21:29) putting forth its leaves indicates that summer is near, so likewise the signs of Mat. 24:4-26 indicate the nearness of Christ’s coming. This is all that is meant, so to use a few fig leaves to represent certain events of Israel is just as unscriptural as to pick a few oak leaves to represent truths about Gentiles.

When the fig branch puts forth its leaves, only a short time remains until summer. Likewise, when the final labor pains begin, Christ’s return is near, even at the door (verse 33).

Branch (κλάδος)

From κλάω, to break. Hence a young slip or shoot, such as is broken off for grafting. Such were the branches which were cut down and strewed in the Lord's path by the multitudes (Mat. 21:8).

Appended to the main prophecy are some additional warnings as to time (Mat. 24:32-44) setting forth in the most impressive manner the certainty, the suddenness, and, to those who are not looking for it, the unexpectedness of the coming of the Day of the Lord. Here again, in the first portion the destruction of Jerusalem, and in the latter portion the Day of the Son of man, is prominent.

The Confirmation by Parables

In the previous portion of this sermon (Mat. 24:4-31) Jesus had spoken directly about His return to earth. Then He gave some practical applications and instructions in light of His return. One should keep in mind that the primary application of this section is directed toward the future generation that will experience the days of the Tribulation and will be looking forward to the immediate coming of the King in glory. A secondary application of this passage, as with much of Scripture, is to believers living today who comprise the body of Christ, the church. The church is not in view in these verses. But just as God’s people in a future time are told to be prepared, watchful, and faithful, so too believers today should also be faithful and alert.

The fig trees

(Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33) Jesus’ words, Now learns this lesson, show that He was beginning to apply what He had been teaching. When the twigs of fig trees begin to get tender and put forth leaves, that is a sure sign summer is not far away (cf. Mat. 21:18-20). Just as a fig tree was a harbinger of summer, so these signs (Mat. 24:4-28) Jesus had been speaking of clearly indicated that His coming would follow shortly.