Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
These passages from Mark 11 are not a parable but a figurative lesson. Pun not intended.
Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers. But they came to Baal-peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame, and became detestable like the thing they loved.
“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans.
These scriptures compare Israel to fig trees. The lesson of the fig tree applies to Israel.
At the time that Jesus examines the fig tree, early April perhaps, He would not have expected ripe fruit, but with young leaves there would be a bud ready to blossom and later bear fruit. He found none and cursed the tree.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
“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.”
Seeing that there was no sign in Israel of what was coming, that Israel was not ready to bear fruit unto righteousness, Jesus cursed the tree figuratively cursing Israel that they would not produce fruits of righteousness.
Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”
Since no one has ever obeyed all 613 laws except Jesus, then faith in Him is the only Way.