Mat 21:17-22 | PNT | STEP | Went out of the city into Bethany . Two miles east of Jerusalem. During the eventful week, he seems to have passed his nights, until Thursday, at the congenial home of Lazarus.

Matthew 21:17-22

Went out of the city into Bethany. Two miles east of Jerusalem. During the eventful week, he seems to have passed his nights, until Thursday, at the congenial home of Lazarus. Now in the morning. Compare Mr 11:12-19 Lu 19:45-48. This was Monday. He saw a fig tree. On the route from Bethany to the city. The fig is common in Palestine.

Found nothing thereon, but leaves. Mark adds that "the time of figs was not yet" (Mr 11:13); that is, of ripe figs. The green figs ought to have appeared among the leaves in April, though the fruit began ripening in June.

Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. Peter calls this a cursing. It was doomed to death and withered. On the next morning (Tuesday) it "was dried up from the roots" (Mr 11:21,20). It was a parable in action, illustrating how the fruitless Jewish nation should wither away. It had leaves, but no fruit. If ye have faith.

See PNT Mt 17:19.