Fig trees, like all other plants, have a recognisable cycle of growth and producing the next generation. Fruit, although we like to eat the fleshy parts, is really the container of the seeds which will eventually grow into new trees. In an agricultural community, getting the timing right would make the difference between a commercial profit and a loss. So growers became expert in predicting the maturing stages of the figs and therefore the time when they could be harvested and taken to market.
 
In Old Testament prophecies, the fig tree represents Israel (Hosea 9:10; Habakkuk 3:17). So Jesus knew that this story was getting His hearers' attention. He was saying that the time had come for Israel: the apex of her history was very near. The union of God with His people, and the judgement of all who turn their backs on Him, were imminent. Indeed, Jesus was among them, teaching and loving them, but they ignored Him, and all the prophecies that He was fulfilling.
 
It will be that way at the end of time too when Jesus returns (Matthew 24:40-41). The extent to which people can ignore the obvious is staggering. But the fact they ignore the signs of His coming does not make His advent less likely or untrue. Only God's words will never go unfulfilled (note that Jesus was again claiming to be God as He said that His words would never pass away either). Every Word that God speaks will be fulfilled, however much we may ignore them.
 
Although more than one third of the world claim to worship Jesus Christ as God and Saviour, I wonder how many are looking forward to His return (Philippians 3:20). Are they eagerly anticipating the fulfilment of their relationship with Him or are they content with their worldly successes and religious experiences? And what about many people who do not know Christ: what will happen to them when He returns? Jesus answers those questions during the rest of Matthew chapters 24 and 25. They key is that neither ignorance nor arrogance are any excuse because Jesus has already told us to be ready for Him. That should put fresh urgency into our witness, to make our lifestyle a living advertisement for walking with Jesus, and our world echoing those of the One whose 'words never pass away', urging people to trust Jesus.