This parable is recorded in Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-32. The Jewish scriptures sometimes represent Israel as a fig tree (Hosea 9:10, Jeremiah 24, Jeremiah 8:13). During King Solomon’s reign, Israel lived in safety, each man “under his own vine and fig tree” (1 Kings 4:25) indicating national wealth and prosperity.

These passages are sometimes referred to as “Jesus’s Great Prophecy,” as it outlines the events of history leading to and including Jesus second advent. Israel is represented by the fig tree, and the Luke account adds “and all the trees.” “All the trees” refers to the nations of the world.

After being nonexistent for nearly 1,900 years, Israel became a nation in 1948. The other “trees” represent other nations coming to life since 1948, which is also miraculous. In 1940, there were approximately 70 nations on earth.  Today, the number is around 216. This remarkable fact provides a time frame for the fulfillment of the prophecy. The “generation” that witnesses Israel becoming a nation will not pass away before Messiah and the kingdom are revealed.

In the Bible, a generation can refer to the period of time of a human life. Psalm 90:10: “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years…” Adding 70 years to 1948 gives us 2018, but the kingdom on earth did not come in 2018. Eighty years will be in 2028. Perhaps this may mark the fulfillment. However, since the first assumption was incorrect, it’s safer to assume that this is not the “generation.”  

The context of the parable speaks of Noah. Genesis 6:10: “Then the Lord said, My spirit will not remain with man forever, because he is also flesh; nevertheless, his days shall be 120 years.” 120 years after 1948 is 2068.  We certainly hope and pray that the “it” (the earthly kingdom of God) is fully operational by then.

The true church (the faithful followers of Jesus) is also called a “generation” in 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV): “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God…”  Time is not specified here, but the scripture focuses on the vital work of selecting those who will “live and reign with Christ” (Revelation 20:4) in his kingdom.

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?”