Fig Trees

Bible Passage copied from www.Bible.com

Matthew 24: 35-38

"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; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

I am wondering if this passage relates to an earlier passage with a fig tree.

Matthew 21: 18-22

Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered.

Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the fig tree wither all at once?" And Jesus answered and said to them,"Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

I have been wondering if this was a symbolical event for what would happen to the Jews just about 40 years later when they were dispersed and lost their homeland when Rome came and took away their homeland.  Was Jesus referring to the removal of God's blessing from the Jews at that time?  Was the fig tree a symbol of Israel?  I haven't become convinced of the answer, but find the connection to the two passages striking.

Regardless, I think it is obvious that we need to be watchful and focused on Jesus.  If we live with Him as our desire, then we will be ready for whatever happens, and we will have His presence to guide us.