[Jesus speaking]
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.

I find this to be a very interesting analogy. It is clearly referencing a process that many in that area were familiar with. We have phrases in the Boise Metro area for this: “When the snow melts off of Bogus Basin, it’s safe to plant your garden”, as the risk of frost is minimal.

While there is a component here in this analogy of forecasting the weather, there is also a part that relates to crops and our livelihoods. Fig trees produced income for some in this area, and surely food for many. Tending to a fig tree, managing its growth and fruitfulness, was important to the Jews. And if the fig tree could tell when summer was coming, it had an expanded impact. It may tell some farmers when to plant their crops safely.

I think Jesus’ points here are: 1) Just like farmers looked to the fig tree to predict the right time to plant crops and plan for summer, so we should look for the signs of the end times to be prepared for Jesus’ coming. 2) The importance of doing this is comparable to the importance a farmer places on managing his crop for optimal production. And 3) Just like you would begin to prepare the soil for planting or the trees to produce fruit, you should have your heart prepared for the day Jesus shows up at your door.

Lord, thank you for your truth and encouragement here to pay attention to the times. Also to the condition of our hearts — are they pure and righteous? May I be counted as one wholly submitted to your sovereignty and obedient to your commands.