Hidden Truths | Mark 13:28-31 | Good, Good News
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Hidden Truths | Mark 13:28-31

Hidden Truths
By Krista Vaughn
The bible is filled with many symbolisms, analogies, and parables, but what are they for?

As described in the Oxford Dictionary, a parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Analogies are comparisons between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

Of course, some of these things were not given recognition until later in the timeline, but through our understanding now, we can just as easily see the effort given to help believers understand the truth and message that may more less be hidden from others.

In Mark 13:28-31, the fig tree is revisited:
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
As previously stated in the beginning part of the chapter and the message Pastor Josh spoke about, Jesus discusses the end times. In this parable, the fig tree is used to further the lesson about recognizing the signs just as they can recognize when a fig tree is coming into season.
Before this, the fig tree was mentioned in Mark 11 in regard to Israel not producing fruit when they were supposed to be. It is like this throughout the bible as well. Fig trees are used throughout the bible to further help believers understand what is being discussed.
The fig tree is also symbolic of Israel itself – It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically [1]. Hosea 9:10 says,
‘Like grapes in the wilderness,     I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree     in its first season,     I saw your fathers.’”
(Oneforisrael.org)

Aside from the same symbolism being used throughout the bible, there were many times in the gospels that Jesus had to give a parable to His followers as well as explain them! God wants us to know the truth and gives us multiple chances to understand it and study it in different ways to truly understand the love He has for us…

What parables can you study more?

What symbolism and analogies have you come across in the bible?

What symbolism and analogies have you come across in the bible?