2. Why did Jesus wither the fig tree?
To Complete Our View of Christ
Jesus showed that God is both gentle & severe .
“I did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56).
Jesus will return in vengeance & in one final judgment of man (2 Thess 1:8; Matt 25:31).

3. Why did Jesus wither the fig tree?
God’s Judgment Follows Man’s Spiritual Failure
Israel failed to be fruitful for God (Isa 5:1-7).
John warned of judgment (Matt 3:10).
Jesus warned of judgment (Luke 13:6-9).
Jesus demonstrated judgment (Mark 11:20)
Prophets foretold spiritual failure (Mic 7:1-6).
The lesson applies to US (John 15:6).

4. Why did Jesus wither the fig tree?
To Emphasize The Need For Prayer
Israel failed to properly pray in their Temple, so it would be removed.
A rebuilt (spiritual) “tabernacle” would take its place (Acts 15:13-17): the church.
Worshippers in the spiritual “tabernacle” could pray to God for help in overcoming obstacles (Mark 11:22-24).

5. Lessons Learned
The Lord wants us to be productive in His kingdom, not impressive to the world.
If we will tend to our own growth & pray that all obstacles to our faith & duty to Christ be removed, Satan cannot defeat us.