But he went out and began to publish it so much and to spread the story so far, that Jesus could not any more go into any town openly, but had to stay out in thinly settled places. But the people kept coming to Him from every quarter.

Then He said to them: "If you do not understand this story, how, indeed, can you understand any of my stories?

Then He kept on saying: "How can I further picture the kingdom of God, or by what story can I illustrate it?

Now when He had left the crowd and gone home, His disciples were asking Him the meaning of this story.

Then they were trying to have Him arrested, but they were afraid of the people, for they knew that He aimed this story at them. And so they left Him and went away.

"Now learn what the story of the fig tree means. Just as soon as its branches grow tender, and put forth leaves, you know that summer is near.