Beth Ariel La Podcast

What does Messiah's parable of the fig tree refer to? Some suggest it is a symbol for Israel, and interpret Yeshua's words to mean that when Israel became a State then Messiah would return within the generation (Matthew 24: 32-35). Rather we should understand the fig tree as simply an illustration. You will note that in Luke's account, Yeshua did not merely say, "learn a lesson from the fig tree" as in Matthew's account. Luke records Yeshua saying, "Look at the fig and all the trees..."  Yeshua was not just focusing attention on the fig tree. If the fig tree symbolizes Israel, what do "all the trees" symbolize?" Yeshua is simply using the fig tree as an object lesson. When, in Israel, the fig tree blossoms, one knows summer is near. Similarly, when the signs that Messiah had given fully emerge, then we will know he is coming to establish his kingdom very soon. Matthew records Messiah saying, "He is near, at the gate." Luke states, "The king