Jesus cursed the fig tree as a symbolic act of judgment against fruitlessness, particularly representing Israel’s spiritual barrenness. Though the tree had leaves, which normally indicated fruit, it had none. The curse demonstrated that outward appearance without real spiritual fruit is unacceptable before God.
“And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it… When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, ‘Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.’”
(Mark 11:13–14)
Fig trees were common in Israel, and they often produced early fruit along with the leaves. This particular tree gave the appearance of bearing fruit, but it was empty. Jesus used it to illustrate the condition of Israel, especially its religious leaders, who displayed outward religiosity but lacked true obedience and righteousness.
The next day, the disciples saw the result:
“And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”
(Mark 11:20)
This event was bracketed by Jesus cleansing the temple:
“Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold… saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of thieves.’”
(Mark 11:15, 17)
The fig tree and the temple cleansing are connected. Both represent God’s rejection of fruitless religion. Israel had the Law, the temple, and the priests, but lacked the fruit of repentance, faith, and obedience.
Jesus later made this judgment even clearer in a parable:
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
(Matthew 7:19)
The cursed fig tree was a living parable. It warned that privilege without fruit, religion without righteousness, and appearance without obedience will face judgment.
Israel’s leaders had failed their stewardship. The fig tree’s withering foreshadowed the destruction of the temple and the coming shift to the New Covenant, where fruit would be expected from all who claim to follow God.
