Hi Kristen, We can count on our Savior! Do you notice anything here? We believe that children and parents benefit from a  strong Christian education program in the church. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near. ADDRESS: Ministry-To-Children Mark 13:28, ESV: "“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." Do you think life is a struggle? Mark offers no enlightenment as to why this uncertainty exists, only that hope will triumph. Explain that Jesus is describing what will happen at the end of all things. 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. Every week, thousands of churches use our Bible lessons, craft ideas, printable resources, and coloring pages to teach kids the Christian faith. That’s why we never charge for our curriculum or even ask for donations. Waiting for Advent: celebrate the start of Advent by making a paper chain to count down the days, or a simple Advent calendar with stickers and pictures. 29 So also do you, when you see these things happening, be sure that He is near, at your very door. Have students pretend to sleep in a seated or prone position. Well, as far as the fig tree, that could be Israel, or it could partly be us, too. 31 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but d My words will by no means pass … When and how will this take place? 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, e at the very gates. If we know that we love God and accept the gift of Jesus for our salvation, we’re ready! For us to understand the verses in this passage concerning the Parable of the Fig Tree (verses … 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. The parable of the barren fig tree offers both good news and bad news. Being reminded, Peter said to him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:20–22) Look again at the last four words in that passage. 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 time, or read it out loud and discuss as you go. The good news is that God is merciful and willing to forgive. Group drawing: create a group collage by having students draw or cut and paste pictures depicting things that bring them hope or joy. 28 c "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Set the scene by explaining that Jesus is here describing how things will be at the end of the world. [a] For you do not know when the time will come. Red light, green light: focus on being prepared for anything by playing “red light, green light” or another game of rapid changes and unpredictability. Lesson Opening: There are several potential angles to hone in on with this lesson, so opening activity possibilities range, as well. Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th grade (variable for activity emphasis). 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. But the words of Jesus will always be true. LESSONS OF THE FIG TREE As Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus saw a fig tree having leaves, but upon closer inspection He saw it had no fruit “for it was not the season for figs” (Mark 11:13). That means no permission is needed as long as you credit this Ministry-To-Children.com in the final work. Earth and Heaven tag (best played outside): Form two lines of students, and have them stand back to back with one crew designated “heaven” and one “earth” (or other names of your choosing). 29 So also , when you see these things taking place , you know that he is near , e at the very gates . Contextual Overview 28 "Learn a lesson from the fig tree: When its branches become green and soft and new leaves appear, you know summer is near. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near. Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. Why is waiting hard? Ask: Have you ever felt like things were overwhelming? 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. But we know that the Word of God remains, no matter what. Musical chairs…similar to “red light/green light”, musical chairs emphasizes the point that the music can stop at any time, and it’s important to be ready for it. Parable of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:24-37) Bible Lesson for Kids Bible Lesson: The entirety of this Gospel passage comes from words spoken by Christ. As soon as its branch has become soft and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near. Everything will pass away. Now learn a parable of the fig tree,.... Our Lord was now upon the Mount of Olives, in one part of which fig trees grew in great plenty, and one, or more, might be near, and in view; and it was the time of year, the passover being at hand, for its putting forth: when her branch is yet tender; and soft and opening, through the sap now in motion: and putteth forth leaves; from the branches: ye know, that summer is near; from such an appearance on the fig tree; See Gill on Matthew 24:32. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Happy New Year! The important thing is noting the final verse. Ask: What are some things we have to wait for? Call off teams randomly, and have them chase the other team across a designated area in attempts to tag students. 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