On the other side it concerns his authority to do what he was doing healing and teaching. On one side is the cleansing of the temple and the praise of the little children. This passage is preceded and followed by accounts of conflict.
It will help us to understand why Matthew includes this account. The context of this passage is important. Rather it is a part of a larger lesson that he is presenting. He does not just include this random event because he thought it interesting. Matthew intentionally organizes his material in a way to teach us specific lessons. When trying to understand the significance of this story, it is important to understand the context. The Context for the Cursing of the Fig Tree But I’m pretty sure that is not the point that is being made here. It does not seem to serve any real purpose other than to teach us that Jesus is cranky when he gets hungry. This cursing of the fig tree can appear very strange today. According to Mark 11:12-14, 19-21, it actually happens over two consecutive mornings, but Matthew rolls it up into a single day. And this account takes place along the road on his way to Jerusalem. He is commuting each day from Bethany to Jerusalem. The incident recorded here takes place during the week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:18-22 NIV Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.