Israel, The Fig Tree

(Mat 24:32-35) "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. {33} "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near; at the doors! {34} "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. {35} "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

We can learn the parable of the fig tree by looking throughout the bible to what He is referring to by the fig tree. We find that it refers to Israel. Israel was known throughout the Old Testiment period as a Fig tree.

(Hosea 9:10) "I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.

(Jer 24:4-6) Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, {5} "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans. {6} 'For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up.

The generation that see these things mentioned in Matthew 24 (widespread violence, false christs, return of Israel to their homeland, pestilences, etc.) will see the coming of Christ as mentioned in verse 34 above.