the fig tree cursed

It says that "the time of figs was not yet", why, then, Jesus cursed the tree?

Mark 11:13 "And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet."

Mark 11:20 "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots."

Even though 'the time of figs was not yet' the fig tree was in leaf, so naturally speaking it should have had fruit, and this was an opportune time for an object lesson and also a prophecy - those priests and leaders of the law who were as barren as the empty fig tree were also pretentious and bore no spiritual fruit. So are all who profess to be disciples, but live for display only.

It has been asked, 'How could our Lord expect to find ripe figs in the end of March?' Answer, Because figs were ripe in Judea as early as the Passover. Besides, the fig tree puts forth its fruit first, and afterwards its leaves. Indeed, this tree, in the climate which is proper for it, has fruit on it all the year round, as I have often seen. (Adam Clarke's Commentary).

Fruit tree growers know that ordinarily a small amount of fruit ripens prior to the main crop. It is referred to as the first ripe fruit or the firstfruits. When Jesus approached the tree, it was the time of the firstfruits of figs, but it was not yet time for the main harvest. Mark 11:13 must mean that the particular tree on which Christ expected to find figs was barren, because it had no figs on it at all. It did not fulfill its purpose, and as any diligent orchardist would do, Jesus simply eliminated an unproductive tree, not with an ax or a saw, but by faith. Please compare Luke 13:6-9.

Jesus used this incident to teach His disciples—and all Christians today—that the outward appearance does not count with God. Instead, what really counts is whether or not one produces godly fruit in his or her life (John 15:8, 16; Galatians 5:22-23).