Now that Jesus has tossed tables in the temple, the chief priests and elders want to know why. Who does He think He is, and what is going on? They try to trap and end Him, but He confounds them with riddles and parables. Fig trees and vineyards are symbols of blessing and prosperity in Israel. Micah prophesies when Yahweh’s house is established on the top of the mountains and nations study war no more, “everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid” (Mic. 4:4). But in these parables of judgment the fig tree withers, and the vinedressers are destroyed. Having wept over Jerusalem, Jesus predicts what will happen, and as shocking as it seems, it’s good news for God’s people and kingdom.