Matthew 24:32-35 32“From the fig tree learn the parable; when its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 33So also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. 34Truly, I say to you that this generation will never pass away until all these things happen. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Jesus teaches his disciples two key ideas that may seem contradictory but must be kept in balance. On the one hand, we can know that the end is coming near by the signs of the times. On the other hand, no one can know the exact time except God the Father. There is a lot of mystery is the dialogue between these two points, with many people throughout the centuries trying to find the balance. Verses 32-25 give the first perspective that we can know the time of Jesus’ return is coming near.
He illustrates the first point with a short parabolic saying about fig trees, which are common in the Holy Land. Like trees from cold climates, the fig tree loses its leaves in the winter and resprouts them in the spring. Those who live in climates with four seasons (even some tropical trees do this), when the weather warms up, the trees that look dead begin to get nubs on their branches. Soon they either put out blossoms, such as the cherry tree, or leaves. They indicate that warmer weather is coming. Spring is the time of new life and renewal. We can look at the signs that Jesus gives here and those found in other passages in the Bible to know that his coming is near. The subject of the verb is near in verse 33 is unclear. It could refer to his coming again as a whole event (“it is near”) or he himself (“he is near”); either interpretation basically means the same.
Verse 34 and the reference to this generation has raised many questions over the years, especially in recent decades. There are several ways to interpret this reference. The first is that it could refer to the generation when Jesus spoke these words. Indeed, many of these events did take place when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in A.D. 70., but not all the events, and obviously, Jesus did not come back at that time. Some people have interpreted it to refer to the generation alive when Israel became a nation in 1945. That generation is coming to an end soon. A third interpretation takes the word (genea) more broadly to refer to a race or group of people, perhaps in reference to the church or the age in which the church serves, sometimes called “this present evil age.” The reference gives certainty that Jesus will be with his followers through the Holy Spirit until the moment he returns.
This point of certainty is emphasized further in verse 35 with reference to heaven and earth not passing away. Heaven and earth have existed since the beginning of creation and were viewed as the longest lasting things possible. Even heaven and earth are temporary compared to Jesus’ words, which are eternal. What Jesus taught, particularly about his coming again, will surely happen. That should serve as a firm warning to those who neglect or reject his teaching and assurance for those who may face trouble and suffering.
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