Luke 21:29-32, “Then he spoke to them a parable: Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. (The parallel verses are in Matthew 24:32-35.)

The disciples had asked Jesus (Matthew 24:3) what the sign of his presence and the end of the age would be. One sign would be the budding and leafing of the fig tree and all the trees. 

Generally, trees represent nations. For example, Ezekiel 31:3 reads, “Assyria was a cedar…” When God symbolizes Israel, He uses a fig tree (Jeremiah 24). 

Israel was at one time the only nation recognized by God. Amos 3:2, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.” Then they displeased God and were cast off from favor. They were banished from their own land and scattered among nations. Jeremiah 16:13: “Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye not your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night, where I will not show you favor.” This prophecy came true in 70 AD when the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem and the people were scattered. The nation of Israel was dead, out of existence.

Thus, the symbolic fig tree withered. But God promised to restore Israel to His favor, as it is written in the next two verses, Jeremiah 16:14,15, “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but the Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither He had driven them. And I will bring them again into the land that I gave unto their fathers.”

This was confirmed by Ezekiel: Ezekiel 36:24, “For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.”

This is something that is happening before our eyes, and it is thrilling to see! Israel is once again a nation and is being built up in her own land. The fig tree, which was withered and dry for so many centuries, is now budding. 

The parable teaches that the fig tree and all the trees will sprout leaves. To interpret: God’s favor returned to the Jewish people and God Himself reestablished Israel as a nation in 1948. Respecting the other trees, there were about 80 sovereign nations in 1900. But today, there are almost 200. Thus, the trees “sprouted leaves,” meaning many nations were established and became sovereign. 

Now note verse 35: “when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.” We understand this to mean the generation who saw Israel regain nationhood will see these things take place. Let us rejoice for very, very soon, Christ’s kingdom will be fully established on earth.

The restoration of Israel is an especially significant sign because the Bible teaches that the operation of the kingdom of God on earth, whereby all nations will be blessed, will commence with that nation. In the near future, the promise God gave to Abraham will be fulfilled. Genesis 12:2-3 (NLT), “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1311: “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part III – Israel and Nations)”
The perfecting of Israel as a nation and all other nations of the world
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode 824: “What Did Jesus Say About Israel?”
Israel and the fig tree, grapevine and olive tree
CQ Rewind Show Notes

PDF Booklet: “Will Israel Survive the End Times?”