The Fig Tree

So let's get this clear: it is not the season for figs. In other words, no one in their right mind would expect to find figs on the fig tree. But Jesus, knowing that it is not the season for figs, responds to the barrenness of the fig tree by cursing it.

This has caused considerable consternation – why does Jesus curse a tree that could not possibly have borne fruit?

Some have tried to argue that a tree that was fully in leaf might have had some early fruit (although most people agree that the “green” fig is not especially palatable!) But Mark will not let us think that Jesus hoped to find fruit. It was not the season for figs.

Jesus' frustration is horticulturally unreasonable!

So why does Jesus curse the fig tree?