An Interpretation of Matthew 24-25 (Part 30) Dr. Thomas Ice Five Parabolic Illustrations These parables or illustrations of Jesus are as follows: First, the fig tree illustration (24:32-35); second, the days of Noah illustration (24:36-39); third, a comparison of two men and women illustration (24:40-41); fourth, the faithful house holder illustration (24:42-44); and fifth, the wise servant illustration (24:45-51). These five parables are important lessons that relate to Israel. In fact, I would go so far as to say that all the parables in the New Testament relate directly to Israel. Often they relate to Israels rejection of Jesus as their Messiah and speak of consequences that will flow from such an act. Christ told His disciples in Matthew 13:10-17 that He would speak to this people (Israel) in order to blind them to the truth because of their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. However, believers could come to understand the meaning of His parables because we are receptive of the revelation offered by Christ. Therefore, they all relate to Israel in some way, shape, or form and usually tell us something about Gods plan for the future. The parables within the Olivet Discourse, when they speak of a coming, all relate to the second coming and not the rapture of the church. This is true because the entire Olivet Discourse was given to Israel and relates to her tribulation and Christs return at the end of that period. Truths relating to the rapture of the church are revealed exclusively in the New Testament Epistles, which were written specifically for the purpose of explaining the intent and nature of the Church age. The only exception to this is Christs initial unveiling of the churchs hope in the Upper Room Discourse (John 14:1-3) shortly before His death. The Fig Tree Illustration The first of these parables, the lesson of the fig tree illustration, is a widely noted passage. For example, my good friend Hal Lindsey teaches that the fig tree represents Israel, which it might, and that this means that within a generation of the founding of the modern state of Israel, Christ will return. Hal said in his famous book The Late Great Planet Earth, which was my first significant exposure to prophecy in 1970, said the following: But the most important sign in Matthew has to be the restoration of the Jews to the land in the rebirth of Israel. Even the figure of speech fig tree has been a historic symbol of national Israel. When the Jewish people, after nearly 2,000 years of exile, under relentless persecution, became a nation again on 14 May 1948 the fig tree put forth its first leaves. Jesus said that this would indicate that He was at the door, ready to return. Then He said, Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these thing take place (Matthew 24:34 NASB). What generation? Obviously, in context, the generation that would see the signs-chief among them the rebirth of Israel. A generation in the Bible is something like forty years. If this is a correct deduction, then within forty years or so of 1948, all these things could take place. Many scholars who have studied Bible prophecy all their lives believe that this is so.[3] I agree with so much of what Hal teaches in the area of Bible prophecy, but on this particular passage I have to disagree with him, even though I used to hold this view myself in the early 70s. I held the view then because the most influential book upon me at the time concerning Bible prophecy was Hals Late Great Planet Earth. (I still believe that Late Great is an excellent book to introduce people to Bible prophecy and recommend it.) I tend to agree that the fig tree is some times used as a symbol for national Israel (see Judges 9:10-11; Jer. 8:13; Hosea 9:10; Hab. 3:17; Hag. 2:19; Matt. 21:19; Mark 11:13, 20-21; Luke 13:6-7). However, whether or not the fig tree is a symbol for Israel is not what a proper understanding of this passage turns upon. I think that is a non-issue when it comes to interpreting this passage. I also agree with Hal that the establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 is prophetically significant and indicates that we are likely near the beginning of the tribulation, but I dont think that the parable of the fig tree is support for such a view. The basic problem with Hals view is that he takes the parable of Jesus and turns this illustration into a prophecy. Christ is simply illustrating that when one sees a fig tree (In Lukes version of the same treaties Christ says in 21:29, Behold the fig tree and all the trees.) begin to put on leaves (in the spring), then you know that the next season is approaching (summer). Christ then concludes, even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Thus, in the context, our Lord does not put an emphasis upon Israel as a symbol. He is saying that when you see the events of the seven-year tribulation take place then you know that His second advent is near. Hal and other who hold that view have taken Christs illustration, which was meant to demonstrate a point about verses 4 through 31, and created a prophecy out of thin air, which does not even exist. The prophecy that Hal has created is that Christs coming will occur 40 years after the founding of the modern state of Israel. Christs illustration was not intended to be a prophecy about anything; it is an illustration about the preceding context. It should be clear by now that such a view is wrong, especially since we are over 15 years beyond his 40-year prediction. Therefore, it does not matter how long a generation is, since the events of 4 through 31 will take place within a seven-year period. That generation that sees the events of the seven-year tribulation will not pass away (in other words, it will not take hundreds of years or a long time) until Christs second coming (see 24:33). This first parable drives home the point through illustration what Christ said in 24:29-30: But immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . they will see the Son of Man coming. Conclusion What is the lesson to be learned from the parable of the fig tree? That lesson is that when a fig tree reaches a certain stage in the seasonal cycle (in this case puts on leaves) then one knows that they have reached a certain time of the year (in this case, that summer is near). A parable is a lesson of comparisons, moving from the known in order to explain the unknown. In this instance the leaves before summer would refer to the events of the tribulation as outlined by Christ in verses 4-31. Thus, when one sees these events then they are to know that Christs return is near, right at the door (24:33). How is it that they know that Christs advent is near? They will know because this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (24:34). In other words, that time period of events culminating in Christs return will not exceed seven years. One day heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away (24:35). Christs words will be fulfilled; they will not just pass away and not be fulfilled. Maranatha!
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 10:10:39 +0000
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