What is the meaning of Mark 13:28? Now learn Jesus opens with a direct charge to His disciples: “learn.” • He is not offering casual advice but issuing a command to pay attention, echoing His repeated call, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). • Learning in Scripture is always tied to obedience (James 1:22). This sets the tone—what follows must shape how believers live. this lesson from the fig tree • A fig tree served as a common, easily understood illustration in the land of Israel (Luke 13:6-9). • Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree often pictures Israel (Hosea 9:10), so the image would immediately resonate with the disciples. • Jesus is drawing a parallel: just as a fig tree gives reliable seasonal signals, the prophetic signs He has just described (Mark 13:5-27) will be equally trustworthy. As soon as its branches become tender • In spring, sap softens previously brittle branches, signaling new growth. • This immediate, observable change teaches believers to watch for definite, unmistakable indicators, not vague speculation. • “Look at the fig tree and all the trees,” Jesus adds in Luke 21:29, underscoring that anyone paying attention can discern these changes. and sprout leaves • Leaves are the visible proof of the inward softening. Likewise, the end-time signs Jesus listed—global turmoil, gospel proclamation, celestial disturbances—are the outward manifestations of God’s sovereign timetable (Matthew 24:6-14). • These signs are not meant to frighten but to reassure that God’s plan is unfolding precisely. you know that summer is near • When leaves appear, no farmer doubts that summer is close. In the same way, when believers see the prophetic signs, they can be certain that “He is near—right at the door” (Mark 13:29). • “Near” underscores imminence, not delay (Revelation 22:12). Though the exact day remains hidden (Mark 13:32), the season will be obvious. • This knowledge fuels readiness and hope (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). summary Jesus uses the fig tree to give a simple, reliable gauge: just as tender branches and fresh leaves announce summer, the clear prophetic signs He listed will announce His imminent return. He expects His followers to notice, learn, and live alert, confident that Scripture’s timetable is perfectly trustworthy. |
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