On the following day (Monday), as Jesus and his disciples returned to the city, he saw, in the distance, a fig tree that was in leaf. Upon approaching the tree, he discovered nothing but leaves. (Mark 11:13).
There has been much discussion about this incident. Did Jesus yield over so small a matter as being disappointed at not finding figs, even though it was not the season for the tree to bear fruit? The obvious explanation is that Jesus saw an occasion to illustrate to the twelve the spiritual condition of the religious leaders that they would face, in the city, the next day.
In that fig tree so advantageously situated, so abundant in promise, yet fruitless, Jesus saw an emblem of Israel. He had already likened her to such a tree and warned her of the doom which would overtake her - and now He repeats His warning.
Jesus pronounced sentence on the tree: May no one ever eat fruit from you again. (Mark 11:14). God's chosen people had been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
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