And, noticing a fig-tree at a distance in leaf, he went to it to see if by any chance he could find something on it; but, on coming up to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

So, addressing the tree, he exclaimed: "May no man ever again eat of your fruit!" And his disciples heard what he said.

As they passed by early in the morning, they noticed that the fig-tree was withered up from the very roots.

Then Peter recollected what had occurred. "Look, Rabbi," he exclaimed, "the fig-tree which you doomed is withered up!"

Learn the lesson taught by the fig-tree. As soon as its branches are full of sap, and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near.