7. PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE Mark 13:28-31 (Matthew 14:32-35; Luke 21:29-33) 28 Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;-- [He presents the facts that when the fig trees put forth their buds or shoots we know summer is drawing nigh, since these are the results and harbingers of the approaching summer.] It puts forth its leaves usually in April. 29 even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.--[Just as the buds are taken as the signs and forerunners of approaching summer, even so they should understand that these signs foretold the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish people, and "that the kingdom of God is nigh." It is difficult to fix the definite meaning of this sentence. The destruction of the Jewish kingdom was the precedent of the introduction of the reign of Christ. The final destruction of the rebellious nations of the earth will be the harbinger of the final reign of Jesus Christ.] 30 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all these things be accomplished.--["This generation" likely refers to those then living on the earth. Jerusalem should be destroyed, and the nation destroyed during the life of many then living. This language was spoken three days before his death, is adjudged to be A.D. 30. The destruction of Jerusalem is sure. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans A.D. 70. "After having been the scene of horrors without example during a memorable siege, it was in A.D. 70 captured by the Romans, who razed the city and temple to the ground, leaving only three of the towers and a part of the western wall to show how strong a place the Roman armies had overthrown." (McClintock and Strong's Encyclopedia)] 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.--[The meaning of which is that heaven and earth shall pass away before my words shall pass away and fail. It was a strong form of affirming the certainty of the fulfillment of his predictions. He did not affirm the heavens and the earth should not pass away. They were to give place to a new heaven and a new earth, as foretold in this type. Mark 13:24-31 seems to refer to both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final winding up of the present condition of affairs. The destruction of Jerusalem is used as a picture or type of the final end hence what applies to one will, to a greater or less degree, apply to the others. Read the corresponding accounts of the same things (Matthew 24; Luke 21), and this seems evident.