Q: Why did Jesus curse the fig tree (Mark 11)? It's a Markan sandwich — the cursing of the fig tree frames the temple cleansing. The fig tree represents Israel: no fruit (not ready for Messiah), so judgment comes. The temple similarly had no spiritual fruit. The temple was destroyed in 70 AD, but Israel will be restored per NT prophecy.

Markan sandwiches: Mark starts a story, interrupts with another, then finishes the first — the middle interprets the whole. Fig tree has no fruit → temple has no fruit → both face destruction. The fig tree curse symbolizes Israel's unreadiness for their Messiah. Temple destroyed 70 AD, but prophetic restoration is promised.