Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near.
We have here the application of this prophetical sermon; now learn to look forward in a right manner. I. "As to the destruction of Jerusalem, expect it to come very shortly; as when the branch of the fig-tree becomes soft, and the leaves sprout forth, ye expect that summer will come shortly, Mar 13:28. When second causes begin to work, ye expect their effects in their proper order and time.
Commenting on Mark 13:28-37
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass,.... Not the generation of men, in general, or Jews in particular, nor of Christians; but that present generation of men, they should not all go off the stage of life, till all these things be done; which were now predicted by Christ, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, the signs of it, and what, should...
Here our blessed Saviour declares two things with reference to his coming. 1. The certainty of the thing itself. 2. The uncertainty of the time. The certainty of his coming he sets forth by tihs similitude of the fig-tree, whose beginning to bud declares the summer at hand.