Do you remember that fig tree that Jesus cursed: the one that withered and died? It wasn't just something pointless that he did out of annoyance. Not at all. He had in mind to use it for an important lesson, in fact, for all time.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door." - Mark 13:28-29