Daily Devotional For Saturday, February 21, 2026
Good day Southside. We are making our way through the Gospel of Matthew in these devotions. We are currently in Matthew 24. Today, we are reading Matthew 24:32-35:
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; (33) so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. (34) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (35) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (NASB).
Like the disciples, we can tell when the seasons are coming by the changing weather patterns. Here in Wilmington, I know spring is getting close by the daffodils sprouting and blooming. Jesus was teaching His disciples from the Mount of Olives and it was known for its fig trees, which often grew as high as 20-30 feet. Passover occurred usually in the spring, so the budding of these fig trees could be seen. Fig trees lose their leaves in the winter while most other trees in Palestine do not. Fig trees bloomed in late spring and so Jesus used this as a picture to teach His disciples about the Second Coming.
We’ve all seen this after the winter. Dried brittle twigs coming to life as the sap of new life in the spring with leaves and in some cases flowers blooming. Just as this takes time, so believers must be patient for the Second Coming. Jesus’ point is His believers could interpret the season for the Second Coming by the signs of significant events leading up to it. Jesus’ point is just as the seasons are assured, so is His Second Coming.
When we get to verse 34, it raises some questions. (1) Was Jesus referring to those living with Him at that time? (2) Was Jesus referring to those living in the end times? Or (3) Was Jesus referring to both the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the end times? Jesus was very careful in His choice of words here. “Generation” is the Greek New Testament word [γενεά; genea]. This word can refer to that current generation as well as the future descendants of that generation. Therefore, it seems of our views above, #3 is the most likely option. Many of those living then would witness Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD. The Jewish people would be preserved to carry on into the future.
This chapter started out with the disciples admiring the grandeur and beauty of the Temple, causing Jesus to tell them that its future destruction was certain. This had to be a shock to them. This was something they could not imagine even though it had happened previously. It would be like someone telling us that the Capitol in DC or the White House was destined for a future destruction. Or that the Smithsonian with all of our original documents from our Founding Fathers would one day be destroyed. We just can’t imagine that.
History is a lot of things and one is this – it is about change. History is about the rise and fall of empires. We no longer have the old USSR or their Soviet states. We no longer have Nazi Germany. Societies come and go. What survives all of these changes – the church. God’s people. Jesus said this in Matthew 16:18b, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (NASB). Jesus said this in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (NASB).
There are some consistent events in the midst of all these changes. What survives? Not governments? Not societies? Not places of worship? But God’s people and God’s word – that we can trust. Yes, we may get old and die, yes, we may be sick and die, but that is just physically. Spiritually, we live forever with Jesus Christ. That is the promise from God in Romans 8:31-39. This is the promise of God in 1 Corinthians 15:50-57. Mark Twain once said, “The only one who likes change is a wet baby.” Probably so, but our Lord is more than willing to lead us through all these changes in this life to the next. Remember, history is . . . His - story. God is in control. God is sovereign.
Reflection Assignment: What fears and concerns do you have the most about this life? What changes have occurred and are occurring that bother you, stress you and create anxiety for you? If the Lord is with you, why are you so fearful, stressed and worked up? What is one thing you can do now to rely on the consistency of Jesus Christ in all these changes?
Scripture To Meditate On: Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow” (NASB).
Prayer To Pray: “Lord, I tend to forget You are in control when everything else seems out of control. Like Peter, I want to walk on water, but then I take my eyes off of You and look at the storms around me and I begin to sink. Help me and my unbelief. Help me to adjust to change, especially the change of my own personal discipleship. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly