The fig tree, part 1

As I’ve mentioned, I’m learning about trees and their significance in the bible. It’s just been opening up a whole new understanding of the text.
For example, fig trees in Jewish tradition representing forgiveness of sin, end of exile, and restoration of the covenanted. In other words, salvation.
It's said that Jews awaiting the Messiah would pray and study the Torah under the fig trees.
Notice that Phillip found Nathanael under a fig tree when he told him they had found the Messiah, and Jesus had seen Nathanael there. (John 1:48)
So now the chapters of Matthew and Mark come to life in a whole new way.
Matt 21, Jesus come to a fig tree bearing leaves (and therefore should have had fruit.) He found nothing and cursed it. I see now this is a type of living parable , cursing the hypocrisy around him.
The tree was “advertising “ itself as a fig tree yet had no fruit to offer. I see today in our American church, people who “advertise” themselves as Christians,- with bumper stickers, speaking Christianese at work, wearing Christian t-shirts.
And I can imagine in this season with so many people desperately seeking peace, seeking answers, seeking anything, many will begin to toy with the idea, “Well maybe I’ll pray.” Or “Maybe I’ll go to church.” They might even feel more comfortable talking with the fig-tree person they know, representing salvation.
But what will happen when they come to the fig tree and find no fruit? No love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self control? Will “salvation” and T-shirts and saying “Praise the Lord” mean a thing to them when that fig-tree person is no different?