The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:20-26
The witthered tree. I. DESTRUCTION MAY SERVE THE PURPOSES OF LIFE . Here the fig tree is destroyed for the sake of a lesson to the spirit. Much lower life is destroyed from day to day that the higher may be preserved. II. THE INCIDENT ILLUSTRATES THE RESERVE OF CHRIST 'S MIRACULOUS POWER . He could destroy; that was evident. But he came not to destroy, but to save. And while he lavished his power upon the sick and suffering, to heal, cheer, and deliver,... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 11:20-21
And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots . They had returned the evening before, probably after sunset, to Bethany; and so, in the twilight, had not noticed the withered tree. St. Matthew gathers the whole account of the fig tree into one notice. St. Mark disposes of the facts in their chronological order. It was on the Monday morning, the day after the triumphant entry, and when they were on their way to Jerusalem, that our Lord cursed the fig... read more