A lot of things might change, pass away, and seem to crumble around us. He said, “Learn the lesson of the fig tree.” We don’t know if Peter, James, John, or any of the earliest disciples understood what he meant. The lesson, therefore, from the fig tree is this - the speed with which she ripens her fruit when she feels the warmth of summer. by Kristin Schmidt Use this free Sunday school lesson to teach kids the importance of waiting for Jesus’ return. ” (Mark 13:28-29). It might sound strange that I get thoughts for my services in Aged Care from a children’s sermon site. 32″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. Stay awake! We don’t know when it will be or exactly what it will be like, but we can take hope that it will be amazing. Mark 13:28 A Lesson From a Fig Tree “Seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it…. 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. Well, as far as the fig tree, that could be Israel, or it could partly be us, too. Still, we are given signs, and if we are wise, we will consider them and “learn a lesson from the fig tree” (Mark 13:28), as Christ points out. Mark goes on to say, “ Take a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branches grow tender and its leaves sprout, you know that summer is near. But we will be on the look-out for a message of hope woven in the passage. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near. If we know that we love God and accept the gift of Jesus for our salvation, we’re ready! Group drawing: create a group collage by having students draw or cut and paste pictures depicting things that bring them hope or joy. Depending on the age group of your students, it might be good to take turns reading verses, have kids read silently a bit at a … We can count on our Savior! Mark goes on to say, “Take a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branches grow tender and its leaves sprout, you know that summer is near. Happy New Year! For us to understand the verses in this passage concerning the Parable of the Fig Tree (verses … Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. Mark 13:28-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Lesson of the Fig Tree. Explain that Jesus is describing what will happen at the end of all things. The download below includes complete teaching notes, games, and craft ideas. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants[b] in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Have students pretend to sleep in a seated or prone position. Watching and waiting…this Gospel marks the beginning of the church calendar year, and the first Sunday in the season of Advent. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Every kids church ministry deserves the very best resources for teaching God’s Word, even when they don’t have the financial resources. Neither you nor I want to be on the receiving end when God's patience runs out. 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