But there is a symbol here because while he is the Saviour, and everything he does is in our interests and to deliver us and to bring us happiness, to deliver us eternally; yet he is also judge. He will judge those who despise him and despise salvation and reject him, and the cursing of the fig tree is a symbol of the judgment of the generation who would reject him. The Jewish people had had tremendous privileges up to that time. In future, individual Jews would still be saved, all in whose heart there was a work of grace, who saw their need of forgiveness and God, and who repented of their sin and trusted in Christ. But the privileges of the nation as a nation would now be withdrawn. This fig tree is full of leaves – all show, no fruit. The Jewish nation at that time still had the temple standing, full ritual worship in progress, but sadly the people’s hearts were against the Lord. All the national privileges would be removed and that is the significance of the fig tree.