"Now learn the lesson from the fig tree; As soon as its twigs get tender, and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have  happened."                         

                                                                   -Matthew 24:32-34

Christ's parable of the fig tree is the most revealing Scripture concerning the time of His return. It actually pinpoints the generation of people living on earth just before Christ appears. In the Bible, the fig tree is a historic symbol of the nation of Israel. The parable speaks of the fig tree putting forth leaves. Many theologians believe this is a clear reference to the rebirth of Israel. If that is true, then we are the generation that will witness the physical return of Jesus Christ. Since Israel declared itself a nation in 1948. What the parable is telling us is the following: The generation born in the year 1948 would not pass away. In other words, when Jesus Christ returns some people will still be alive on the planet who were born in the year 1948.