What does the parable of the fig tree teach about the timing of Christ's return?
The fig tree symbolizes Israel. When its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, summer is near; likewise, when all these things come to pass, God's summer is near and Christ's return is at hand, even at the doors. The generation—meaning the nation Israel—will not pass until all is fulfilled.
Les teaches that in Matthew 24:32–33 Jesus says to learn a parable of the fig tree. The fig tree in Scripture is always symbolic of the nation of Israel. Just as a good Jew knew that a sprouting fig leaf meant summer was nigh, so when we see all these things happening in the Middle East, God's summer is nigh and His return is at hand. Verse 33 says when you see all these things, know that His return is near, even at the doors. The word generation comes from the Greek word genea, which suggests stock, breed, or nation—Israel—shall never pass off the scene until everything is fulfilled. Therefore God cannot fulfill His overall program until He comes back and deals once again with the nation of Israel. So whenever you hear that God is all through with Israel, don't believe it.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.