Beth Ariel Messianic Congregation
Beth Ariel is a Messianic Jewish Congregation in the greater Los Angeles area of Southern California. We are a spiritual home for Jews and Gentiles who have embraced Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah and Lord. This podcast content includes Rabbi Gary's "Messianic Perspective", a 1-minute radio feature that airs on KKLA 99.5 FM in Los Angeles, on Fridays during rush hour. Gary teaches the Jewishness of Christianity. This podcast also includes Rabbi Gary's messages from Beth Ariel's Shabbat Services on Saturday mornings in Tarzana, CA.
Beth Ariel Messianic Congregation
Yeshua's Parable of the Fig Tree & the Rapture 03/16/2024
What does Messiah's parable of the fig tree refer to? Some suggest it is a symbol for Israel, and interpret Yeshua's words to mean that when Israel became a State then Messiah would return within the generation (Matthew 24: 32-35).
Rather we should understand the fig tree as simply an illustration. You will note that in Luke's account, Yeshua did not merely say, "learn a lesson from the fig tree" as in Matthew's account. Luke records Yeshua saying, "Look at the fig and all the trees..." Yeshua was not just focusing attention on the fig tree. If the fig tree symbolizes Israel, what do "all the trees" symbolize?"
Yeshua is simply using the fig tree as an object lesson. When, in Israel, the fig tree blossoms, one knows summer is near. Similarly, when the signs that Messiah had given fully emerge, then we will know he is coming to establish his kingdom very soon. Matthew records Messiah saying, "He is near, at the gate." Luke states, "The kingdom of God is near."
The Messiah went on to provide further assurance that what he said will most certainly come to fruition. He said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Following this Messiah then taught on the "rapture" of the body of believers (I Thessalonians 4:13-18) in Matthew 24:36-41.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4zxEGHOTKo
