When we turn to Matt 24, the setting for the entire chapter is set forth in verse 3 when the disciples asked Jesus, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
Later in the chapter God declares in Matt 24:32-33
"32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."
This is an important calendar time reference, because the Biblical fig tree is national Israel, which is the nation that Jesus came out of according to the flesh. It is the nation that Jesus ministered to very personally for three-and-a-half years by the sea of Galilee. And yet, there were very few who believed on him during that time, so much so, that Jesus declared the following in Matt 11:20-24
"20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."
This underscores that when Jesus cursed the fig tree, he was in fact referring to national Israel."
Matt 21:19 "And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
When we turn to Matt 24, the setting for the entire chapter is set forth in verse 3 when the disciples asked Jesus, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
Later in the chapter God declares in Matt 24:32-33
"32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."
This is an important calendar time reference, because the Biblical fig tree is national Israel, which is the nation that Jesus came out of according to the flesh. It is the nation that Jesus ministered to very personally for three-and-a-half years by the sea of Galilee. And yet, there were very few who believed on him during that time, so much so, that Jesus declared the following in Matt 11:20-24
"20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."
This underscores that when Jesus cursed the fig tree, he was in fact referring to national Israel."
Matt 21:19 "And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
More in part 3
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