Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 13. He came, if perhaps, and so forth Christ knew there was no fruit upon it, and that it was not the season, or a season for figs. See Matthew 21:19, what instruction he designed to give his disciples by what he said and did to the fig-tree. Witham.—Jesus Christ here curses the barren tree, on account of his disciples, who were present; for as he every where gave instances of his most beneficent will, it was proper he should also give them proofs of his justice and severity. Hence his principal motive for cursing the fig-tree was, not on account of any hunger he then experienced; for it is not probable that Christ should experience so great hunger, and at so early an hour, as these words seem to indicate. Ven. Bede.