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Mark 
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Day 286

Acts 2:43 "Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles." Acts 2:43"

Day 286 – Mark 13

“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43

THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE

To help reinforce the understanding of the Disciples, Jesus gave them a parable.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree.
When its branch has already become tender,
and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.”
MARK 13:28

The symbol of the fig tree

a) This is sometimes used as a symbol of peace (Cf. Zechariah 3:10).
b) It is now used differently- to signify that summer is near

THE APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE

Jesus applied the second symbolic meaning to His Return.

“So you also, when you see these things happening,
know that it is near- at the doors!”
MARK 13:29

1. These things happening

This would be a reference to all that Jesus had foretold concerning the future:-

a) General troubled times
b) Specific tribulation period

2. Know that it is near- at the doors

There is an issue of time that must be addressed. The Apostle Peter addressed this issue in his 2nd general epistle. Three thoughts may be picked up from the text below.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise,
as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,
not willing that any should perish but that all should come
to repentance.”
2 PETER 3:8-9

a) God’s time reference must be adopted.
b) God is not slack concerning His promise.
c) God is longsuffering towards sinful mankind… wishing all to come to repentance.