Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? What is the importance of Jesus cursing the fig tree?

TL;DR:

Jesus cursed a fig tree that appeared to have fruit but did not. Jesus cursing the fig tree warns us of hypocritical faith and encourages us to instead abide in Christ and thereby bear fruit.

Jesus' cursing of the fig tree symbolizes condemnation for spiritual fruitlessness and hypocrisy among religious leaders and Israelites. It occurred during the week of Jesus' crucifixion, immediately following the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. This event echoes Jesus' teachings on bearing fruit and highlights the importance of genuine faith, which produces visible fruit in alignment with God's will. Today, this story challenges believers to live authentically in Christ, abiding in Christ so the Holy Spirit will bear fruit in a believer’s life.

from the old testament

Jesus cursing a fig tree occurred in the New Testament.

from the new testament

Jesus cursing the fig tree is recorded in both Matthew 21:18–22 and Mark 11:12–14, 20–25.
In both accounts, the timing of this cursing is of critical relevance. It took place during the week that Jesus would be crucified. It appears Jesus cursed the fig tree the day after the triumphal entry, or Palm Sunday, when the people praised Him as the Messiah-King. In Mark's account, Jesus cursed the fig tree on His way to clear the temple. The next day, Jesus and the disciples passed the fig tree and saw that it had withered overnight, a surprising contrast. The timing between the triumphal entry and the cursing of the fig tree is relevant.
Jesus had taught about bearing fruit (Matthew 3:8–12; 7:17–20; John 15:1–27). Mark notes that "it was not the season for figs," but the tree was "in leaf," a sign that figs should have been on it (Mark 11:13). The people appeared to accept Jesus and the religious leaders claimed to follow God, but they failed to bear fruit. With their lips they praised God, but they crucified Jesus.
Many see Jesus' cursing of the fig tree and cleansing of the temple (the next passage in Mark's narrative, and the prior account in Matthew's) as symbolic of God's denouncing Israel as a nation, and, in many ways, His denouncing those who claim Christ but do not actually follow Him (such as in Matthew 7:15–23).
The curse of the fig tree is seen by some as the curse of the Messiah being put to death while others view this curse as related to Israel's soon destruction as a nation in AD 70.

implications for today

Fruitful living as God's people is still relevant today. It is not enough to be religious; rather, we are called to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8–10). Those who are in Christ are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and called into an active relationship with God that bears fruit. Followers of Jesus are expected to live a life of faith that is revealed through godly living. God does not want us to have the appearance of healthy fruit; He wants our lives to overflow with the outworking of our faith. The Holy Spirit produces this work in our lives (Philippians 2:12–13) as we abide in Him (John 15). The fruit of the Spirit is specifically described in Galatians 5:22–23 as, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." As we abide in Christ and allow His Spirit to work in us, our lives bear fruit that glorifies God and draws others to Him.

understand

Jesus cursed the fig tree as a symbol of condemnation for spiritual fruitlessness and hypocrisy among religious leaders and Israelites.
The cursing of the fig tree happened during the week of Jesus' crucifixion, following the triumphal entry, highlighting a judgment on superficial faith and failure to bear genuine fruit.
God calls us to bear fruit. Faith produces fruit.

reflect

How does Jesus' cursing of the fig tree challenge your understanding of genuine faith and spiritual fruitfulness in your own life?
What does Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree reveal about God and His desire for you to bear genuine fruit and not merely appear religious?
What does it look like to abide in Christ, and how does that produce fruit?

engage

How does Jesus' cursing of the fig tree reflect His expectations for genuine faith and spiritual fruitfulness among believers today?
How do Jesus' actions with the fig tree and the temple cleansing highlight the importance of authenticity in faith and action?
What are some indicators of genuine spiritual fruitfulness versus superficial faith? How can we encourage one another to bear lasting fruit for God's kingdom?