Mark 13:28-31 28“And from the fig tree learn the parable: as soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things happening, you know that he is near, at the gates. 30Truly I say to you that this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
After the glory of the previous verses, Jesus again calls his disciples to be ready for his return. He mentions two key themes in the following verses. The first, found in the verses above, is that believers can know his imminent return by the “signs of the times.” He again (11:3, 20) uses the fig tree to illustrate a deeper truth about his kingdom and sovereignty. The fig tree is one of the few trees that loses its leaves during the mild winters of the Holy Land. Only when the heat of summer returns does it send out its leaves. It was a way to announce the approach of warm weather. The same is true for many trees in northern climates that announce spring is coming, even when it seems like winter is still holding on. Trees announce the change of seasons but do not tell the exact calendar day that spring or summer come. We can only know the time is near.
In the same way, we can know that the time of Jesus’ return is getting near, although we cannot know the exact calendar “day or hour” (verse 32). Jesus uses a word play by mentioning that when we see the events he described in verses 5-13 happen, we know he is at the gate (thyrais), which rhymes in Greek with summer (theres). The gate will soon burst forth, so we must be ready to welcome the King’s return. We should not be caught unaware but be doing as he has called us to do and living as he has created us to be. We can know to some degree that his coming is near. Believers will have a sense that time is moving on and that his return is inevitable. When our attention gets drawn back to earthly matters, we can look forward to his return and upward for his presence and renew our focus and hope.
Verse 30 has been controversial for many people, particularly determining the identity of this generation. There have been two major interpretations influenced by how people understand the previous predictions. One idea is that Jesus is referring to the generation of believers when he spoke these words. The events he predicted would happen during the lifetime of his disciples. Thus, all of the above refers to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Much of what he said does fit that scenario, but there are points that do not, particularly and most significantly, his coming on the clouds in glory. The second idea, which is most popular today, is that Jesus is referring to the last generation on earth just before his return. Those who live in the very last days can know that his return is near as the world gets worse and the earth bears witness.
As I mentioned before about the “abomination that causes desolation” of verse 14, some prophecy appears to be multi-layered, with a literal fulfillment at one point in time and a secondary fulfillment later. The fall of Jerusalem could have been a historical prelude of what will happen at the end. This interpretation considers Jesus’ coming in glory after the described events. Whatever may happen, Jesus leaves no doubt in verse 31 of the certainty of what he has said. His words come with his full divine authority as Lord of heaven and earth. God’s plan of redemption will happen. However, the details are worked out or understood, we do not need to live in fear or doubt. When Jesus’ return is delayed, when there are many “signs of the times,” we should not grow weak in our commitment but remain faithful to the end–of our life or of this present age.
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