A reading from the gospel according to Luke 21:29-33
29 Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
30 When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
31 in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.
32 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Reflection: Signs of the Times
Jesus is the Lord of creation. He is also the Lord of history. He was at the beginning of time and He will be at the end of it, the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 21:6, 22:13). Whatever happens in the world, He is certainly in control. Yet He allows all kinds of events to happen in order to teach us or to wake us up.
World events as well as natural phenomena, like the fig tree in the gospel above, are used by God as signs regarding His will for us and for the world. Yet many times we don’t see these signs. We have become blind due to many reasons such as our pride, our crooked ideologies and our busy schedule.
The world and all the valuable minerals in it will soon pass away. Now is the time to refocus our priorities. It is time to turn back to Jesus whose words are eternal. Let us start to pay attention to the signs all around us. Through prayers, bible reading and meditation, we become in tune with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In this way, God will reveal to us His will and when the end time comes, we are ready.
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In this Gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree, teaching His disciples to observe its budding as a sign that summer is near. In the same way, the unfolding events He described—earthly turmoil and heavenly signs—indicate that His Kingdom is drawing near. He concludes with a powerful assurance: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33).
This message is profoundly encouraging. Amid the uncertainties of life, Jesus reminds us of the unshakable foundation of His Word. Everything we see—kingdoms, systems, even nature itself—will one day fade, but the promises of God endure forever. This truth is an anchor for our souls, especially in times of chaos and confusion.
Lessons from the Fig Tree
1. Be Watchful and Discern the Times:
Just as the budding of the fig tree signals the changing season, the signs Jesus mentioned are reminders that His return is near. This call to vigilance applies to us today. While we may not know the exact timing of His coming, we are called to stay alert, prayerful, and spiritually ready. The world may be filled with distractions, but we must prioritize the things of God.
2. Trust the Certainty of God’s Word:
Jesus contrasts the fleeting nature of creation with the eternal reliability of His words. In a world where promises are often broken, God’s Word stands firm. His promises of salvation, His faithfulness to sustain us, and His ultimate plan for redemption are trustworthy. No matter how unstable life seems, we can hold on to His Word as our source of hope and direction.
3. Find Hope in God’s Sovereignty:
The imagery of the fig tree is a reminder of God’s control over history. Just as seasons come and go under His command, so too does every event in our lives unfold under His sovereign care. This assurance frees us from fear. We may not understand every detail of His plan, but we can trust that it is good and will ultimately lead to His glory and our good.
Living in Light of His Word
How do we respond to the assurance that God’s Word will never fail? First, we meditate on it daily. By reading, memorizing, and applying Scripture, we strengthen our faith and align our lives with His will. Second, we share His Word with others. The hope we have isn’t meant to be hidden but shared, especially in a world longing for truth and stability.
Finally, we live with joyful anticipation of His return. Jesus’ words are not meant to provoke fear but to inspire readiness and hope. As we see the “fig tree” budding in our world — the signs of His Kingdom drawing near — we are reminded to lift our eyes to Him, the author and finisher of our faith.
In a transient world, Jesus offers us a rock-solid promise: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33). His Word is our refuge, our guide, and our source of hope. May we cling to it, live by it, and proclaim it until the day He returns in glory. Amen.
