After cleansing the temple dramatically, Jesus left Jerusalem and spent the night in nearby Bethany. This transition period between the temple incident and the encounter with the fig tree the following day encapsulates a broader narrative of judgment and the call for genuine faith. Whereas the Temple cleansing condemned Israel’s worship, the fig tree cursing condemned Israel as a nation. In the withered fig tree of Matthew 21:18-22, Jesus illustrates the consequences of spiritual barrenness and the power of faith. Like the Temple, the fig tree is a potent symbol, demonstrating the fate of those who appear fruitful but lack true righteousness. The withered fig tree teaches the necessity of genuine faith and the impending judgment on unfruitfulness in worship and believers’ lives.
