Originally Posted by
popper
And the fig tree withered at once To consider it any more than a demonstration of His authority (like walking on water, healing, calming the sea) brings up many ramifications that you need to answer. Is He saying Israel is forever cut off from God? If so, then 1) why any references to (new) Jerusalem? 2) Crusades, Inquisition, holocaust are just political battles, not spiritual. 3) Israel has (and Islam) no spiritual claim on the land. 4) It is the END of the covenant between God and the Jews. I can't claim to be right, just stating now you have lots of rabbit holes to investigate. Many historical events to examine if one follows some of the seminary taught paths.
Not to beat a dead horse, but.
Lets consider another, the rich young ruler. Wants to join Jesus's group. You're the leader of a mission trip to Peru & Ecuador. Donald Trump a wants to join your group. He'll provide chopper & limos for trans. and pay the bills. Of course he'll bring the S.S., assistants, liaison, etc. You understand you are now just part of his entourage. What do you tell him? Your group would love to travel 'in style'. Do you try to explain to him/them that it 'won't work'? What do you use as a teaching moment to your followers? Just 'make something up' - inject a word of wisdom/truth?
Why do I add this? After Jesus cursed the fig tree (and it died forever!!), there was a 'teaching moment'. What lesson to be learned ( I just used Trump's position as an example ) ? Yes, somebody will bring up this teaching (allegorical?) moment from scripture.