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Mark interprets the episode in the temple by setting it between the two parts of the story of the fig tree. The fig tree had the appearance of fruitfulness but lacked fruit because it was not the season for figs. Hence Jesus cursed it. Upon entering the temple, Jesus discovered temple merchandising actually hindering gentile access to the temple. So, in a prophetic act, he disrupted these business affairs and reminded the people that access to the God of the temple was intended for all nations. Mark understands this event as Jesus' cursing of the temple, just as he cursed the fig tree, for the time of the temple was past. He thus prepares us for a new understanding of temple. The withered fig tree provides the basis for sayings on prayer and faith, in which Jesus is portrayed as the exemplar of strong faith, to be emulated by his disciples in mission.