28"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. 29So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near--at the doors! 30Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
I love this comparison with the fig tree in spring time. Just as you know summer is near when we see all the signs of spring, we will know the end is near when we see all the signs Jesus talks about in the previous passages. Is the end time going to be as spring? I think of spring as a time of rebirth. It sounds like these last days are going to be a very painful birthing process. By comparing it to spring, I get the feeling that the "end times" is not really referring to "the end", but the transition to a new season, a new beginning. I love the thought of starting a new season with God. This is just another passing season. I am excited about what the next season could be like!
Once again, Jesus uses the phrase of "this generation". In Mark 8:12, Jesus says "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." Just as I thought there that He was referring to generation in the broader sense, I think He is using the term generation in the broader sense here too. Generation can mean the lifetime of an individual or the time of existence of contemporary individuals. I think that here He means this sinful, doubting, faithless, rebellious generation. There will always be sinners, doubters, unfaithful, rebellious people, at least until these things take place.
Just as the seasons have to go through spring to get from winter to summer. These things must happen. They will happen. We cannot avoid them. We need them to happen.
Many things we hold as constant in our lives, even heaven and earth, will eventually pass away. Though Jesus' words will never pass away. I have been amazed as I have been working my way through the book of Mark that I have been able to find all lessons easily for me even though they were spoken at a different time to different people of a different culture in very different circumstances. His words are as true today as they were when He spoke them, and they will continue to be true throughout all time. He is one constant we can always count on.