Big Idea: The timing of the return of Christ is unknown, so God’s people must remain alert, constantly vigilant for his coming. Believers must do this by remaining faithful and conducting themselves as befits their status as God’s people.

Understanding the Text

Jesus now turns from the events of the eschaton to the necessity of vigilance and readiness on the part of his followers. He has moved from the destruction of Jerusalem to the final days of human history in verses 1–27, and this passage sums up these two sides. The extended metaphor on the fig tree in verses 28–31 centers on the destruction of Jerusalem (yet includes the second coming [see below]), and the sayings in verses 32–37 relate to the return of Christ.

Interpretive Insights

13:28  lesson from the fig tree: As soon as it…