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