COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 144
“ Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.”
(Mark 13:28-31; Matt 24:32-35; Lk 21:28-33)
THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
INTRODUCTION
Jesus is confirming to His disciples the importance of being knowledgeable of last things – whether it is the then coming destruction of Jerusalem, or the end of the world and His coming. These are matters that are of great consequence, for they revealed that life in this world – even in an ordained religious setting – is not the determined objective of God. Knowing how to love in this world is not the main thing, and men ought to cease from saying that it is. This does not mean our lives now are not important, but rather accents how essential it is that they be lived in view of what is coming. Those who have a spiritual grasp of the future, and maintain that hold, will order their lives so they will not be caught unawares. Men who emphasize life in this world, with its varied relationships, are not giving due heed to the revealed future. If, for example, we knew that a devastating tornado was about to sweep our home away, what sense would it make engage in a remodeling project? If the home was going to be severely damaged in its present state, but it was known that it would survive, we would fortify it so it would weather the storm. People who know they will die within a short time, if they are of sound mind, live differently than those who imagine the future is secure. So it is that Jesus develops two pivotal considerations: the destruction of Jerusalem and His coming and the end of the world that shall occur at that time. We will find that there is a sense in which these are related. It goes without saying that we are dealing with important matters. The tone of Jesus’ words can be heard by those of tender heart. This is not a subject that allows for speculation and human opinion. The reason for this exclusion is that we are dealing with matters that have been determined by God and cannot possibly be altered or nullified.
A PARABLE TO BE LEARNED
“ Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near.”
THERE IS LEARNING TO BE DONE. Both Matthew and Mark represent Jesus as saying, “Now learn” (Matt 24:32). Luke records that Jesus “spake to them a parable.” The intended purpose was for the disciples to “learn” something vital. Unlike when Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables, this saying was not intended to hide the truth (Lk 8:10). Here is a Kingdom principle that has eluded many: a teaching Jesus is to be understood! Jesus has come, we are told, “to give us an understanding” (1 John 5:20). In view of this, how does one account for the gross ignorance that is found within the Christian community? How is it that there are so many unlearned, when Jesus has told us to “learn”? He invites the weary and heavy laden to come to Him in order that they might “learn” (Matt 11:29).
And, what does it mean to “learn”? As used in Scripture, to “learn” means “to increase one’s knowledge,” THAYER and “direct one’s mind to something producing an external effect.” FRIBERG “to understand, comprehend.” LIDDELL-SCOTT In the English, to “learn” means to “gain knowledge or understanding of.” WEBSTER In other words, learning involves gaining knowledge that can be handled or used profitably. A person who “learns” to swim, can get in deep water and move about without drowning. A person who “learns” carpentry can construct something out of wood. A person who “learns” from Jesus can take His words and shape his life by them, preparing for the future, and capitalizing on the resources available for the present.
The epistles speak of learning “doctrine” (Rom 16:17), “Christ” (Eph 4:20), “to be content” (Phil 4:11), “to show piety” (1 Tim 5:4), and “to maintain good works for necessary uses” (Tit 3:14). We are even told that Jesus, in His earthly life, “learned obedience” (Heb 5:8). If we knew nothing more about learning that what is said in these texts, we should be convinced that war should be made against ignorance. Every child or God is to determined to come out of the category of the “unlearned,” for that is a class of people that are in jeopardy – prone to wrest, or twist, the Word of the Lord (2 Pet 3:16).
THE FIG TREE HAS A PURPOSE. One purpose of the fig tree was to produce fruit. Not long before the time of our text, Jesus had cursed a fig tree because it looked as though it should have had fruit, yet did not (Mk 11:13-14). However, this is not the point of this parable. Here the signs of life that will follow the cold of winter are the point. Matthew and Mark say, “when her branch is tender, and putteth forth her leaves” (Matt 24:32). Luke reads, “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth” (Luke 21:29-30).
Thus we see that the tree was not only for fruit, but also provided an index to the future. That means that men gave heed to this tree before fruit was ever a consideration. A time of refreshment and productivity was coming. Solomon used this figure also. “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song of Solomon 2:11-13).
THERE ARE SIGNS IN THE TREE OF APPROACHING TIMES. The point is that the heat of the sun caused the sap that was dormant in the winter to course through the branches of the tree, so that tender shoots began to spring out, and foliage sprouted throughout the tree. It was this sudden burst of life to which Jesus referred. The presence of that foliage was confirmation that “summer is near.” Matthew says, “summer is nigh” (Matt 24:32). Luke reads, “summer is now nigh at hand” (Lk 21:29). Thus, the fig tree was a sort of forecaster of the summer season, confirming that the cold of winter was about over, and the time of fruitbearing and harvest was fast approaching. Seeing this, knowledgeable people would tend to the fig tree in order to give it the advantage. They would also adjust their lives for the coming heat of summer, during which they would conduct their lives differently. People who had especial interest in the seasons, whether farmers or merchants, would watch for the signs of the coming summer, having a special interest in the trees.
One of the marks of a degenerating society is its failure to see the signs of the times. Jesus said of the generation among whom He walked, “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matt 16:2-3). What do you suppose His assessment is of our generation – particularly in America, and specifically among the churches?
There is a very real need for men like those of Issachar who “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron 12:32). Even in Esther’s time, Ahasuerus the king depended on “wise men, which knew the times” (Est 1:13). A lack of understanding, particular regarding the things of God and the signs of the times, is a sign of real weakness.
THE OBLIGATION TO KNOW WHAT IS NEAR
“ 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.”
In His masterful way, the Lord now summons men of all ages to give heed to what He has said. He will speak in such a way as to profit the people to whom He is speaking, as well as those more than two millennia later, who will also read His words.
IN LIKE MANNER. Other versions read, “So you also,” NKJV “Even so, you too. ” NASB Matthew and Luke read, “So likewise” (Matt 24:33; Lk 21:31). There is a correlation between what is seen and what is not seen. Jesus now appeals to that correlation, knowing that it is an ordained one, created intentionally by the Lord who “hath made all things for Himself” (Prov 16:4) – even the greening fig tree! In other words, let them not fall into the category of people of whom Jesus said, “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 16:8). It is not comely for businessmen to be more discerning in business than believers are in the things of God! It is not right for the craftsman to be more excellent in his dealings with his peers than the children of God are with one another. Why should a weatherman be more diligent and inquiring in things pertaining to weather than professed believers are in the things of the Spirit. Oh, there sorely needs to be a great awareness of the type of thinking that is “in like manner!”
WHEN YE SEE. “When ye see these things come to pass,” or “happening,” NKJV or “taking place.” NRSV Just as surely as the signs of coming summer can be seen in the greening fig tree, so the approaching of the times of which Jesus is speaking can be seen in the earth. You cannot see them inadvertently, but must look for them. Remember the signs He has mentions. 1 Increased deception (v 5). 2 Political and national upheaval (vs 6-7). 3 Natural calamities (v 8). 4 Increased persecution (v 9-13). 5 Religious defilement (v 13). 6 The city of Jerusalem destroyed (vs 14b-20). 7 False Christs (v 21-22). 8 Spiritual darkness/ignorance (v 24). 9 Disruption of heavenly principalities and powers (v 25).
The purpose for these signs, therefore, was that they might be seen, and the appropriate action taken. If that is the case, then no place can be made for an ignorance of them. Jesus does not say “If ye see,” but “When ye see!” That accentuates two stark realities. First, these signs will take place. Second, the people of God are expected to see them. The approach that many teachers have taken to the coming of the Lord has veiled both of these things, thus causing the people of God to live in ignorance of something in which God has made no provision for ignorance. A failure to behold the signs God has ordained, and of which we have been apprised, confirms that an inordinate distance exists between the people and their God. If these signs have been provided to give the advantage to the saints, then what must be said of those who cannot see them, and have no heart to do so.
KNOW THAT IT IS NIGH. In the case of the destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord had given very specific signs. Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies (Lk 21:20). The enemies would dig a trench around Jerusalem, building an embankment over which they would enter the city (Lk 19:43). An abomination would stand in the Holy Place that would result in desolation (Matt 24:15). There would be great distress in the land, and wrath upon the people (Lk 21:23). When these signs began taking place, the destruction would be at hand
Also, following those signs, Jesus said He would be seen coming in great power and glory with His angels, who would gather together the elect (vs 26-27). The signs, then, cannot be limited to the destruction of Jerusalem, for Jesus did not appear in all of His glory at that time, nor was the glory of the Father seen, or the holy angels, nor were the elect gathered. Men are to be as aware of the appointed demise of this present evil world as the believers of the first century were to be of the destruction of Jerusalem.
Luke also ties these signs to the return of the Lord by preceding Christ’s parable of the fig tree with these words: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). Again, this cannot refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. When the signs of its destruction were seen, Jesus did not tell His disciples to lift up their heads, but to flee to the mountains (13:14). He did not tell them redemption was drawing nigh, but rather said, “these be the days of vengeance” (Lk 21:22).
It was with a mind to the need of alertness that Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Rom 13:11-12). If it is true that no man knows the day or the hour when Jesus will come, how can spiritual sleep and slumber possibly be justified? What kind of spirit is it that moves people to become absorbed with this world? It certainly is not one that comes from God! It is a sin of gargantuan proportions to preach and teach in Jesus’ name as though this world was not scheduled for destruction.
THESE THINGS SHALL BE DONE
“ 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.”
VERILY. Other versions read “assuredly,” NKJV “truly,” NASB “I tell you the truth,” NIV “Amen,” DOUAY “I can guarantee this truth,” GWN and “surely.” AMPLIFIED The word “verily” is a translation of the Greek word “amaan” (amen). The word means “firm, faithful . . . surely, and of a truth.” THAYER The idea is that the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the world, and the coming of Jesus are cast in stone. They cannot be changed, postponed, hastened, or rendered null and void. The reason why the destruction of Jerusalem is joined with the end of the world and the coming of the Lord is not that it was to occur simultaneously with them. Rather, the plundering of the holy city provided an example of Divine appointment and certitude. It was something that was announced well in advance, and with sufficient detail to be able to unquestionably detect when it was at hand. Yet, with all of this information, Satan and all of his hosts could do nothing about it. The scribes and Pharisees with all of their self-professed expertise could not stop it from happening, or stall it for so much as one millisecond.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses this word more than one hundred times, thus confirming the manner in which He spoke and taught. He did not deal with possibilities, or probabilities, but with certainties. When it comes to such matters, there is only one option placed before men: PREPARE! Any other response is unacceptable.
THIS GENERATION. Jesus states that a certain generation would not pass until “all these things be done.” This is the remark that has led many to think the destruction of Jerusalem was the only thing in consideration. That generation was involved. When speaking of the decimation of Jerusalem Jesus said, “All these things shall come upon this generation” (Matt 23:36). However, the words of Jesus were not limited to the destruction of the holy city. That would require that Jesus come in all of His glory at that time, and the elect be gathered from both heaven and earth, for that was one of the signs: “the sign of the Son of man in heaven . . . coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt 24:30).
To be sure, the generation living at that time would not pass until Jerusalem was destroyed, which was approximately forty years after Jesus said these words. However, that is not the only generation that existed. For example, the generation of the Jews themselves also existed – and they would not pass from the earth until all of these words – including those of the coming of the Son of man and the gathering of the elect – were fulfilled.
There is also the matter of the generation of Jesus – His “seed,” which are more numerous than the children of the married – that is, the Israelites who were married to God (Jer 31:32; Isa 54:5). Christ’s generation is referred as “the children” that God gave to Him (Heb 2:13). This being the case, Jesus will have a people in this world until the signs He has revealed have all been fulfilled – and those signs included His return in all of His glory, and the gathering “together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven” (Mark 13:27). Satan will make every effort to remove them, sending out a destroying flood to remove them from the earth (Rev 12:15-16) – attempting to do with a moral flood what God did to his offspring in the flood of Noah’s time. But the devil will not be able to do so. This world was made for the culturing of the people of God – a project that displays the power and effectiveness of the great love of God and His marvelous grace. It is only when the purpose of God concerning His people has been completed that the earth as it is will have no further purpose.
HEAVEN AND EARTH. Thus, in a fitting conclusion of this thought, Jesus reminds His disciples that the same thing that was determined to happen to Jerusalem has also been purposed for the heavens and the earth. Jerusalem had been defiled by wayward Jews, and finally by heathen abominations entering into the Temple. The fact that it was destroyed revealed that God will not allow contaminated things to remain. They must be brought to an end. Therefore, the heavens and the earth, having been defiled by the race for whom they were made, have been consigned to vanity (Rom 8:20-22). They cannot continue because that is the Divine judgment against whatever is defiled. Thus the destruction of Jerusalem was like a confirmation that the greater contamination – the world – will also be destroyed.
The truth is if ANYTHING passes away, everything of the order to which it belongs will also pass away. A portion of the defiled cannot be preserved. It must all be destroyed. That is the reason why God said, “I make all things new” – and that includes His people (Rev 21:5; 2 Cor 5:17). MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY. Ultimately, men will face every word that Jesus spoke. That is why Jesus said to His critics, “the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Men really have no option open to them except to give heed to what Jesus says. If anyone chooses to fail in this regard, He will be to them the Stone that will “grind him to powder” (Matt 21:44). There is Divine certitude in everything Jesus said.