# Connecting Statement:

Jesus gives two short parables here to remind people to be aware when the things that he has been explaining happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

# the branch becomes tender

The phrase "the branch" refers to the branches of the fig tree. AT: "its branches become tender"

# tender

"green and soft"

# puts out its leaves

Here the fig tree is spoken of as if it were alive and able to willingly cause its leaves to grow. AT: "its leaves begin to sprout" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

# summer

the warm part of the year or the growing season

# these things

This refers to the days of tribulation. AT: "these things I have just described" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# he is near

"the Son of Man is near"

# close to the gates

This idiom means that he is very near and has almost arrived, referring to a traveler being close to arriving at the city gates. AT: "and is almost here" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fig]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/gate]]