@ Doug. Alot of things biblically speaking seem confusing until we ask the harder and sometimes more introspective questions. This is not a bible website so I want to be sensitive and tread lightly. Something we might choose to consider however is that Jesus never cursed a person. As a matter of fact, this is 'the only' instance in the New Testament "that I know of" that Jesus cursed anything, in this case a tree. And so it bears special inquiry. It always helps to put the When? Where?, How, and Whys? to biblical accounts, (just as a good newspaper story covers all the bases). Just a quick note to give a personal perspective- notice that the fig tree didn't die and dry up immediately, there was an intermission after Jesus cursed the tree, and then only later to come back a day later to make reference to the account. There are only a few specific New Testament accounts/stories that detail (the time in-between certain accounts), so we know it was not just a common occurrence, so we pay particular attention to the time in between to help fill in gaps, add clarity or to glean what are often intended subtleties.
As humans, we are always searching for clarity (the why's), and as fig growers/ enthusiasts we generally don't appreciate simple answers when it comes to potting formula's, heat, watering etc. etc. as much as 'the why's- the intimate details' the reasons for a thing, especially in regards to a focus of our passion. Thank you Doug- I appreciate yours and every other comment on this strange and interesting account.