No, the choice of the in this is not insignificant. The Messiah Jesus never selects his images at random, especially when he teaches about the Kingdom of God.
Why the fig tree?
A familiar tree in Palestine. The was very common in the region. Jesus’ listeners knew its natural cycle well: it loses its leaves in winter and begins to bud in spring, announcing the arrival of summer. It is therefore an accessible and expressive image.
A reliable seasonal indicator: Unlike other trees, the is a good marker of the change of seasons. The Messiah Jesus uses it to illustrate the clarity of the signs: just as we know that summer is near when we see its leaves, we can discern the nearness of the Kingdom by observing prophetic events.
A strong biblical symbolism: In the Old Testament, the is often associated with Israel, with blessing or with judgment:
Micah 4.4 speaks of each one sitting under his , a symbol of peace.
Jeremiah 8.13 speaks of a fruitless , a sign of rejection.
Jesus himself curses a barren in Mark 11.12-14, as an image of lack of faith.
A call to vigilance. The budding is a visible sign, but one must know how to interpret it. Jesus invites his disciples not to be blind to spiritual signs, just as they would not be to natural signs.
In summary
The is chosen for its teaching value, its biblical symbolism, and its function as a seasonal marker. It embodies at once the clarity of the signs, the need for discernment, and the urgency of preparation. Nothing is left to chance in this ; every detail serves to awaken spiritual awareness.