kids encyclopedia robot

Parable of the budding fig tree facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Ficus carica 01 by Line1
A fig tree with new leaves

The Parable of the Budding Fig Tree is one of the many stories Jesus told. These stories are called parables. You can find this parable in the New Testament part of the Bible. It is written in the books of Matthew (chapter 24, verses 32-35), Mark (chapter 13, verses 28-31), and Luke (chapter 21, verses 29-33).

This parable uses a fig tree to teach an important lesson. It talks about how a fig tree shows signs of summer coming. Jesus used this idea to explain that certain events would show that the Kingdom of God is near. This parable is the opposite of another story Jesus told, called the parable of the barren fig tree, which was about a tree that didn't produce fruit.

What Jesus Said About the Fig Tree

Jesus told his followers this story:

Look at the fig-tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Luke 21:29-33

Understanding the Parable's Meaning

This parable teaches us about future events, which is sometimes called eschatology. It comes after a longer talk Jesus gave, known as the Olivet discourse. In that talk, Jesus described signs that would happen before his return.

Think about what happens in nature. When winter ends, new buds start to appear on tree branches. These buds then open up into blossoms and green leaves during spring. As summer gets closer, fruit begins to grow.

Jesus used this natural process to explain something important. He said that just like new leaves on a fig tree tell you summer is coming, certain events would be signs. When these signs start to happen, it means that Jesus will return soon. His words also teach that while the world around us might change, his teachings will last forever.

Related Pages

  • Figs in the Bible
kids search engine
Parable of the budding fig tree Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.