11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:11-14 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Some move the question here, how Christ came to curse a tree for want of that fruit which the season afforded not? It is answered, that naturalists observe, that the fig tree puts forth her fruit as soon as her leaf; that tree is always bearing; and while one fig is ripe, another is green. And whereas it is said, that the time of figs was not yet; the meaning is, “That the time of in-gathering of figs was not yet,” but the tree having leaves, showing it might have fruit: accordingly Christ goes in expectation of it having fruit; but finding none, either ripe or green, he curses the tree for totally disappointing his expectation.
Besides, Christ was wont not only to speak, but to work parables; and this action of his was typical, an emblem of Jerusalem’s destruction in general, and of every person’s in particular, that satisfies himself with a withered profession; bearing leaves only, but no fruit; as this fig-tree was, so are they, nigh unto cursing.
From whence note, That all such as content themselves with a fruitless profession of religion, are in great danger, of having God’s blasting added to their barrenness.