In this sermon The Reward Of The Fruitful And The Unfruitful, Jesus used Parables to teach a memorable lesson. The tree was cursed not just because it was not bearing fruit, but because it was making a show of life that promised fruit but delivered none. By teaching by parables was that those who make a show of being religious but are spiritually barren are cursed. In this context, it would apply directly to Israel. It also applies to all people who produce no evidence of genuine spiritual life. This teaching harmonizes with the previous account of the cleansing of the temple, and prepares for the messages to come (Matt. 23). The Jewish leaders are the primary targets. They advertised religion without producing true righteousness.