Jesus used parables often…comparing spiritual things with things found in nature.  Now for the attentive ear of the Believer, the parable gave better understanding and a deeper meaning to His message.  But to the unbeliever, it was just a story about a barren tree.  Our lives here on earth are like that fig tree, effective and producing good fruit or desolate.  So the central theme of this parable Jesus wants us to remember is…repent or perish.  “For trees not producing good fruit will be cut down.” (Matthew 3:10)