Luke adds something in his account that makes our faith even stronger. Luke 21:29-31: “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Notice — that Luke adds “and all the trees.”

If the Fig Tree pictures Israel, “all the trees” would refer to other nations. Luke is telling us that together with Israel springing to life, many other nations would put forth leaves, sprouting into existence. When we see this happen, we would know that the Kingdom of God is near.

What does history tell us? For many centuries up to 1945, the number of independent nations in the world had remained relatively constant at around 70. However, since 1945 the number of independent nations has grown dramatically to 196 nations! More than 126 new independent nations have sprung into being that were previously held as colonies. It ties in closely with the time that Israel became a nation in 1948.

Thus Israel, simultaneously with 126 other nations, has put forth leaves, sprouting into existence! Remember what Luke and Matthew said, “When ye see these things come to pass, know ye the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:31). “When ye shall see all these things know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily, I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:33, 34). What a thrill to our hearts! This means that we are on the very brink of the greatest event in all human history — the establishment of God’s Kingdom!