What you should know about the fig tree.

[HollowofHishand]

Hi brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are always lots of discussion about the parable of the fig tree, and why Christ told his disciples that when they see the fig tree with tender branches and putting out leaves, that summer is nigh. Many use this as a sign of Israel's rebirth, etc., etc.

But a few facts for you all to chew on.
1) The fig tree actually produces TWO sets of figs. The first is called Breba and occurs in the late winter/early spring ON LAST YEARS WOOD!

2) After this set is dropped, the tree puts forth TENDER BRANCHES AND NEW LEAVES. Then it flowers and sets the 'main' crop of figs.

Could the Lord have purposely chosen the fig tree alerting the disciples that the first set of figs would be gone (Messianic Jews in the Rapture) and after that happens, they will know that the "time is even at the doors" because the fig tree won't put forth tender branches until the breba figs are dropped?

Any comments?

[extreme4jesus]

:thumbvery interesting

[Starbuck]

I've never understood the link between the fig tree and Isreal. I realize there are several old testiment references to Jews as Figs, but since Jews were God's only people at the time wouldn't that be a reference to believers in general and not Jews specifically?

Also since a Biblical generation has come and passed wouldn't that point to Isreal not being the Fig Tree mentioned in Matthew?

I'm sorry, I'm just new and came to this site to find out more about the Rapture since it is not a topic discussed at all in the Lutheran faith.

[Sing4Him]

Learning comes by reading:

http://focusonjerusalem.com/israelandthefigtree.html

[HollowofHishand]

Hi Starbuck, and welcome. We all came here looking for answers so please don't every apologize for wanting to know more about God and the Bible.
There is an old testament verse that ties Israel to the fig tree, Hosea 9:10 "I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time"

But my study of the fig tree has taken me into an area where the fig tree and the grape vine are listed together in certain verses.

Christ tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches. Are we grapes or are we figs?

Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves for clothes, but God made them clothes of skin because they needed to understand that innocent blood had to be shed to 'cover' them.

So as you can see, there is still a lot of learning, studying and praying to be done with this subject. I hope you will join us here at Rapture Ready in the pursuit of truth.

As to your understanding that the generation that Christ was speaking to has passed, try looking at that verse this way:
A generation refers to an amount of time. And Christ was speaking about a distant time. So you must put them together. For instance "In the years to come medical science will wipe out cancer. And because cancer is the leading cause of death today, this is the generation that will see a great reduction in the death rate."

I also want to pass on to you something that I learned not too long ago. I have prayed for wisdom and instead God has opened my eyes so that when I read the Bible I am very attentive to each little word used. And when one does not make sense to me, this is the Holy Spirit giving me a nudge and I study the verse and the context.

If you would like some recommendations for good study sites just pm me and I will pass them along.

The fact that you are here at all is evidence that the Holy Spirit is nudging you. Welcome!