Jesus told the parable of the fig tree immediately after predicting His second coming (Mat 24:29-31). In this parable (Mat 24:32-35), Jesus indicated that when the branch of the fig tree becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, summer is near. He used the parable to teach His disciples about the timing of His second coming. He said to them, “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near — at the doors!” When the disciples saw “all these things,” that is, all the things Jesus spoke of in verses 2-26, they would know that “it” that is, His second coming, was near. In fact, all the things Jesus predicted in verses 2-26 took place before that generation passed away, including the destruction of the temple in A.D.70. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” Jesus did not predict that the generation to which He spoke these words would see His coming, but they would see all the other things He predicted in this discourse.
The coming of Christ has been “near” since the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. and is still near today! At the time Jesus gave this discourse, He knew Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Romans before that generation past, but He did not know the time of His coming. He said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (vs.36). We do not know when He will come, so we must always be ready! Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (vs.42).