He found nothing but leaves. Although it was not at the time of the fig harvest, that fig tree by the roadside had a vast foliage.

It would give to the travelers, like the Lord Jesus, an expectation of finding fruit. T

his kind of tree has the characteristic of giving first fruits, and then blooming. therefore, the vast foliage indicated that there represented the nation of Israel away from repentance and genuine faith.

Although the people fulfilled the religious rituals and demonstrated an apparent pity for others, they were spiritually barren.

This episode teaches that God does not want to see in us the practice of a religion or a holy appearance, but rather to find us in obedience, faith and justice. These are the spiritual fruits that satisfy Him.