Matthew 24:32–35 (ESV)
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you
know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not
pass away.
Jesus again reminds us that there will be constant and unmistakable signs that the end is near. For those who reject Jesus and the Gospel,
the reminder that He is standing at the gate is a threat of judgment and condemnation. However, believers in Christ may be encouraged when reminded that Jesus is near, for they know that this means their salvation is drawing near.
I pray: “O Thou Long-expected, weary Waits my anxious soul for Thee.… O my Savior, O
my Savior, When wilt Thou return to me?” Amen. (TLH 606:2)
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The
Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 1637.