The fig tree is a parabolic image used by Jesus to stress the urgency and certainty of his coming.1 Figs were common in the land of Israel. They typically lost their leaves during winter and would bring forth new leaves/fruit only in spring/the beginning of summer. When one sees fruit and leaves on the fig tree, one would thus know that summer was near.
32 “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.