The curse on the barren fig-tree was peculiarly appropriate. The fig-tree was the symbol of the Jews as a nation, as the vine represented them figuratively as a religious system. Now the Lord had come seeking fruit, and just at this moment was really passing sentence on the nation. Each part of it, Herodians, Pharisees, Sadducees, lawyers, scribes, priests, come up in turn to question in appearance, but really to receive their judgment at His mouth. Christ takes, therefore, this symbolical tree, and pronounces the curse on it forever. So it was now with Judaism under the old covenant. Hence, it is added, The time of figs was not yet. Many have shown that there might notwithstanding have remained some of the old crop, for it is double on the fig tree. But Israel was not really to bear fruit under the old covenant. All the prophets bear witness, that it is when they are brought back through grace, and under the new covenant and the Messiah, that Israel will blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. The Lord had a right to seek fruit as they were; but it was not the time. The real crop was to come, though there was plenty of profession-leaves, but no fruit. Nothing could be more significant, or closely applicable in the instruction it afforded.