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这个故事很让人费解，不是吗？看起来，以表现爱和同情著称的耶稣，竟然会不高兴，直接毁掉一棵无辜的无花果树。而这发生在耶稣在圣殿里推翻兑换银钱的桌子之前。这其中一定有联系。

在旧约中，人们能够坐在自己无花果树的树荫下，这个画面是常见的和平的象征。（参王上 4:25；弥 4:4；亚 3:10）结果子的无花果树也是神子民得祝福的象征。

但当百姓无视神的时候，先知们就把他们比作不结好果子的无花果树。神的子民本应伸出援手，关心他人，帮助别人的需要，但他们却自私自利，靠着剥削别人来发财，利用本应帮助别人的制度来获得好处。

一棵无花果树若长满了叶子，通常意味着它已经有了果子，但耶稣没有找着。所以祂诅咒它，以示神也会对祂堕落的百姓进行审判。神子民的领袖们让腐败悄然而至。他们向在圣殿里庆祝逾越节的旅客和穷人收取高额的汇率和离谱的价钱。

耶稣对这些领袖说：“你们不过是在作秀。你们不过是叶子，却没有果子！” 祂希望百姓不仅提供阴凉的叶子，还要提供怜悯和公义这甜美、丰盛的果子。

This story is baffling, isn't it? It seems that Jesus, who is known for showing love and compassion, gets upset and just destroys an innocent fig tree. And this happens just before Jesus turns over the tables of corrupt moneychangers in the temple. There must be a connection.

In the Old Testament, the imagery of people being able to sit in the shade of their own fig tree was a common symbol of peace (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10). Fruit-bearing fig trees were also a symbol of blessing for God's people.

But when the people ignored God, the prophets compared them to fig trees that were not bearing good fruit. God's people were supposed to be reaching out, caring for others, and helping with others' needs, but instead they were being selfish, growing rich off the work of others, and taking advantage of systems that were intended to help others.

When a fig tree was in leaf, that usually meant it had fruit already. But Jesus found none. So he cursed it as a sign that God would also bring judgment on his corrupt people. The leaders of God's people had let corruption creep in. They charged high exchange rates and outrageous prices for travelers and needy people who were at the temple to celebrate the Passover holiday.

Jesus was saying to the leaders, "You are only putting on a show. You are nothing but leaves, and you have no fruit!" He wanted the people to provide not only shady leaves but also the sweet, abundant fruit of compassion and justice.