When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
Do you really think that the Son of God, who could cause "May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” - not to know when figs were in season? If rocks can call out the name of Jesus, a fig tree should know also. Please do not deny the power and authority of my God.
Edit: that may have sounded harsh/wrong, sorry.
The verse is not in first tense, nor allegorical tense, so I'd have to say it is as an observance by others. Not a preaching/teaching, nor a self 'proclamation', an observed event. I've heard the allegorical theology, as referencing the Jewish nation and it's inability to follow Gods commands, definitely does apply, however IMHO it is more about Authority.