Why curse a perfectly good tree?

[Athetotheist]

The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
(Mark 11:12-14)

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
(Matthew 21:19)

Question 1: If "through him all things were made", why didn't Jesus know that there wouldn't be any fruit on a tree when its fruit was not in season?

Question 2: If there should have been fruit on the tree because the fruit was in season, why did the author of Mark make the false statement that it wasn't in season?

Question 3: How was Jesus's cursing of the tree a righteous act when both versions of the curse [the one in Mark and the one in Matthew] assume that the tree would have produced fruit again [and Mark's version specifically assumes that it would produce fruit again when the fruit was in season]?

[JehovahsWitness]

You claim that the events were presented as a parable and I have asked you to support (and explain in full sentences) what in the text indicates to you that the writer was presenting the events as such.

Yep. And I explained why I think that within the context of the debate question asked, both before and after your "challenge."

Your explanation lacked substance and I asked supplementary questions. You supported your parable theory with (for example) bumbling disciples and I asked how the presence of "bumbling disciples" supports the idea of a parable. I have yet to receive an answer. If its what you "think" and the presence of bumbling is your support, fair enough. I just don't see that as sufficient evidence to support your theory.

You mention a "supernatural event" without any further explanation of how those two words support your theory that the writer was presenting a parable. Since practically all the bible writers record or referenced such events, are you suggesting the entire bible is a parable? If not what is the criteria that you are applying and why?


JW

[AquinasForGod]

[Replying to Athetotheist in post #1]

Jesus knew the tree had no fruit—He wasn’t seeking information, but teaching through action. He used the moment as a symbolic judgment on fruitless religion: full of leaves (appearance) but no fruit (righteousness).

Mark's note that it wasn’t fig season highlights the deliberate irony: the tree had leaves, suggesting fruit, but was barren. It mirrors how Israel had outward signs of faith but lacked true obedience.

The cursing wasn’t about the tree’s biology—it was a prophetic sign. Jesus wasn't being cruel; He was warning that those who appear godly but bear no spiritual fruit will face judgment.

And it is just a tree. Why are you mad?

[Athetotheist]

[Replying to AquinasForGod in post #32]

Jesus knew the tree had no fruit—He wasn’t seeking information, but teaching through action. He used the moment as a symbolic judgment on fruitless religion: full of leaves (appearance) but no fruit (righteousness).

And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
(Mark 11:12-13, KJV)

The cursing wasn’t about the tree’s biology—it was a prophetic sign. Jesus wasn't being cruel; He was warning that those who appear godly but bear no spiritual fruit will face judgment.

Then why isn't that what he says when the disciples comment on the withering of the tree?

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
(Mark 11:21-24, KJV)

And it is just a tree. Why are you mad?

Since Mark 11:12-13 clearly establishes that Jesus is looking for figs on a tree which doesn't have them simply because the tree is following its nature and not producing fruit out of season, why is Jesus mad?