This post is Day 16 in a series of studies about “The Fig Tree”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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The Fig Tree – Day 16

The disciples had been asking Jesus about the end of the age. As Christians are we watching the signs? Are we showing signs of spiritual growth? Do we feel ready for the second coming? Are we ready to face the difficulties that will precede that event?

Luke 21:29-30

Then Jesus used this story as an illustration. “Look at the fig tree or any other tree. As soon as leaves grow on them, you know without being told that summer is near.”

The Thought

The disciples had been asking Jesus about “the end of the age” (Luke 21:7). They knew that life would not always be the same, and somehow suspected that Jesus coming to earth was a sign of the end of the world as they knew it. Which it was in a way; for everyone that met Jesus nothing would ever be the same again.

I’m not sure the disciples expected the answer they received. Jesus responded with a list of disasters that we find hard to imagine, then another picture from nature, basically telling them that it will be obvious, at least to those who watch the signs and learn from them. It is interesting that the only tree that Jesus names in this chapter is the fig tree. It was obviously the tree that everyone recognised. We can imagine people of all ages watching the fig trees and looking for signs of growth.

As Christians are we watching “the signs”? Are we showing signs of spiritual growth? Do we feel ready for Jesus’ second coming? Are we ready to face the difficulties that will precede that event?

When Jesus does return will He find “figs on His tree”? Will He find “faith on the earth”? (Luke 18:8)

Action

Pray for more fruit in your christian life.

Are you called to be a “gardener” and nourish others so that they bear more fruit? Pray for the “gardeners” that you know.

Read the whole of Luke 21, and ask yourself how many of these things have happened or are happening now. Pray that you will recognise the signs of “the end of the age” when that time comes.