The Fig Tree Parable (Part 3)

The Passage Recap: Matthew 24:32–35 (NKJV)

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. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near — at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Word Study Review

The fig tree parable reveals clues, a metaphor of the times described in the previous passages (almost to the beginning of the chapter). In Scripture, we learned that the fig tree could illustrate in many ways, such as representing a person (personification); as a simile (a similitude); as a metaphor, as well as used literally.

Fig Tree in Gardening

(Information taken from Ficus | Description, Pollination, & Major Species | Britannica, unless otherwise noted.)

The fig tree is under the plant genus Ficus, a genus that includes approximately 900 tree, shrub, and vine species. The Ficus genus has a specific and unique pollination, completed (and housed) by a species-specific wasp (fig wasp, ). These pollen-bearing wasps leave and the fruit ripens quickly. As a result, it provides food for a many mammals and birds. Some trees receive and release wasps during the year, which qualifies the Ficus fruits during food shortages. To reduce Ficus plants or terminate the wasps would bring a noticeable reduction in animal life of that region.

Fig trees can be grown indoors, although it takes greater care and produces a much smaller yield than their outdoor counterparts (Can You Grow a Fig Tree Indoors? (Complete Guide) — Fig Freak).

Health Benefits

(https://lazydogfarm.com/blogs/growing-figs/health-benefits-of-figs?_pos=1&_sid=b89a711fa&_ss=r.)

• provides a variety of vitamins and nutries
• high fiber content
• reduces hunger cravings
• helps promote healthy blood pressure levels
• has a moderate glycemic index, making it a good option for diabetics
• traditionally used to treat psoriasis and eczema
• contains iron

Cultivation & Maintenance

Fig trees prefer mild temperate climates. Deep sandy clay loam, where the pH is 6–8, is ideal and full sun. Cuttings are the best way to propagate, usually in winter or early spring.

Fig trees love the Mediterranean rain-fed climates, but do well when they have access to constant moisture. Too much water is a problem, but mulching helps retain moisture and nutrients. Pruning is extensive in the first few years, and then limited to removing the branches that grown upright, touching the ground or interfering with other branches. (Information taken from https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/fig/infos.)

Pests

Pesky pests for the fig tree are mold, the fig mosaic virus, mites, and the June beetle. Molds and fungi are usually spread by thrips, flies, and beetles, though fig varieties that have smaller pores on the fruit are less susceptible. Too much water, such as watering the plant from the top, can also present environments for molds to flourish. (https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/fig/infos.)

Garden Care Conclusion

Overall, the fig tree is rather easy to maintain, providing that its needs are cared for. Water, though an essential part of the tree’s success can also become a problem when applied incorrectly. Like most plants, the best place to water is right at ground level to avoid creating too much moisture for the tree.

The Next Step

Fig trees are an easy tree to maintain, provided they are give proper (and minimal) care; they produce nourishing fruit in return. Too much water, though, would be problem and quickly snowball into larger ones.

Taking all our information thus far, we can already see a correlation between the spiritual and physical. Like a word picture, the fig tree brings abstract concepts to life.

Word Pictures

It’s clear to see that the fig tree is an easy application of a word picture. A word picture is taking a commonly known view and applying it to a spiritual concept.

For example, fig trees can be utilized to explain us as believers in the Scriptures. Like the fig tree, we need a good environment to flourish. Too much of one thing, or applying it incorrectly in our lives can create problems. Let’s take our cell phones, for instance. They are fantastic tools that we can search with to find answers quickly. On the other hand, it is easy to spend all of our time on the phone, which becomes an incorrect application. Now, the cell phone is no longer a tool, but the central focus of our lives. This will create problems for us (even long term) if we don’t address it right away by clearing out the unnecessary “debris” in our lives.

Another word picture involves the water. Just the right amount of water, at the base of the tree will not only nourish the figs but they will flourish. The water goes right where it’s needed — to the roots. Yet, if the water is applied over the plant, it will create problems. Now take knowledge, understanding, new ideas and apply the word picture. When we assimilate what we learn and line it up with Scripture, we can see the fruits it produces, as it lines up with Yahweh’s Word. On the other hand, if we don’t line it up with Scripture but let the knowledge, understanding, or the new ideas consume us, then it can create problems for us further down the road of life.

What other word pictures do you see?