Jesus Cursed The Fig Tree And it Dried Up

Topic: Prayer
Passage: Mark 11:19–26

February 13, 2022

Commentary

Jesus and His disciples were staying in Bethany each night (v. 19). The next day the disciples noticed that the fig tree Jesus had cursed the day before was all dried up (vv. 20-21). As they called it to His attention He used it as an illustration to teach them these principles of prayer:

  1. It must involve faith (vv. 22-23) – The statement about removing mountains was a common Jewish phrase used in reference to removing difficulties. He was saying that if we have real faith, prayer is a power which can solve any problem and make us able to deal with any difficulty. First, it means that we should be willing to take our problems to God. That in itself is a very real test. Second, it means that we should be ready to accept God’s guidance when he gives it.
  2. It must involve expectation (v. 24) – For many people prayer is just a pious ritual when it should be a thing of burning expectation. It has been said that a patient who goes to the doctor and doesn’t have any confidence in his prescribed remedies has far less chance of recovery than the patient who is confident that the doctor can cure him. Our trouble is that what we want from God is our answer, and we don’t recognize his answer when it comes.
  3. It must involve forgiveness (vv. 25-26) – In other words, if we expect our God to forgive us, we must forgive others. Bitterness in a person’s heart will cause a barrier between him and God. The prayer of a bitter man cannot penetrate the wall of his own bitterness.

Application

Is there anyone that I need to forgive? If so, what steps do I need to take to forgive that person?

Mark 11:19– 26 (NET)

19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

20 In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, if someone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.”