My view (Christopher) sees the “fig tree” as a symbol for Israel, with its budding representing the political rebirth of Israel as a sovereign nation in 1948. This suggests that the generation alive during this event would not pass away until all the end-times prophecies, including the second coming of Christ, have been fulfilled.
Here’s a breakdown of my interpretation:
Fig Tree as Israel: In the Bible, fig trees are sometimes used symbolically to refer to Israel. Prophets like Hosea and Jeremiah use figs and fig trees to represent Israel’s spiritual condition and fate. Thus, when Jesus mentions the fig tree in Matthew 24:32, I interpret this as a direct reference to Israel.
The Budding of the Fig Tree: The establishment of Israel as a sovereign nation in May 1948 is seen as the “budding” Jesus refers to. This event is a prophetic milestone, marking the beginning of the “last days” timeline.
Interpretation of “Generation”: It refers to the people alive at the time of Israel’s establishment as a nation, suggesting that the fulfillment of end-times prophecies, including Jesus’ return, would occur within their lifetime.
End-Times Prophecies: The signs mentioned in Matthew 24, like wars, natural disasters, and the spread of the Gospel, as indicators that the end times are progressing.
The Uncertainty of Time: Jesus Himself, in Matthew 24:36, states that no one knows the day or hour of His return, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. This statement underscores the importance of readiness and vigilance.
Christopher
Wayne Mounsey
Hi Christopher. Really enjoy following The Two Witnesses so far. Lots of in-depth info to think about.
We are like the fist century Israelites who were in expectation of the Messiahs arrival. As such we search the scriptures, going to and fro to discern the times and seasons.
Your reasoning here RE ‘this generation’ is very similar to the Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs in that they took it literally.
They believed that after the war in heaven and Satan being cast out of heaven to the vicinity of the earth. That this marked the beginning of the ‘last days’. Which they calculated at early 1914 and the beginning of world war one. They felt those alive in 1914 would still be alive at the culmination of this system of things. They have revised this to and (I forget the word but) associates. Those who are alive at the same time as those living in 1914. Just like Jesus apostles lived on after him. And those who lived on after Moses.
Both, your reasoning and theirs does not sit quite right for me.
To me the main point of and our main focus for Jesus saying ‘This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur’, is of its surety of happening. Jesus doubled down on this by saying ‘heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away’. To which we could ask, what is heaven here and what is earth? But that is not the main point for Jesus to say this.
Jesus very quickly followed by saying, ‘concerning that day and hour, nobody knows’. Not even he, at that time knew.
The secondary point, I believe is as you point out, that all these things will occur in one generation. But the questions then become.
What generation is Jesus talking about? Sinful generation from Adam onward? Social generation? Family generation? How long is this generation to last?
And what then is the beginning of the last days? Which date?
Patricia David
Not going into all your points but this might help you at least understand ‘a generation.’ Psalm 90.10 declares what & how long a generation is. I think it’s best to let scripture define scripture, therefore using the Psalm explanation seems best. In looking at that definition of a generation & budding Israel beginning in the 1948 timeframe, 80 years (as the longest time of a generation) then 2024 is the 76th yr. That fits with Israel celebrating their 75th Anniversary last yr. Maybe you already considered this but if not hope this helps.
Wayne Mounsey
I guess this is for Watchful. The comments need an edit function lol
Thanks for all of your hard work to date.
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