The Audience Mark Is Writing To
Mark’s readers lived with uncertainty and opposition. This teaching anchors believers in a resilient faith—one that trusts God fully and practices forgiveness even under pressure. The lessons Jesus teaches on faith and prayer show that these principles are essential for overcoming life’s challenges.
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
The focus is unwavering faith expressed through prayer and forgiveness. Jesus is revealed as teacher and inviter, calling His followers to a bold, relational trust in God.
📖 Scripture: Mark 11:20–25 (NASB)
As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.”
The People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, responding to Peter’s observation and broadening the lesson for all who would follow.
What Happened in the Scene
The disciples notice the fig tree completely withered. Jesus uses the moment to teach about faith that believes God without inner division, prayer that trusts God’s promises, and forgiveness that clears relational barriers.
Mood and Tone
The tone is instructional and encouraging, yet searching, calling for honest self-examination of belief and unforgiveness.
What Jesus Said
“Have faith in God.”
“Believe that you have received them.”
“Forgive, if you have anything against anyone.”
Jesus links faith, prayer, and forgiveness into one coherent spiritual posture.
The Response of the Others
- Peter observes and asks.
- The disciples listen, confronted with the depth of Jesus’ call.
- Faith shifts from spectacle to daily practice.
The Lesson for Us in 2026
- Faith Begins With Trust in God – Confidence rests in who God is, not in outcomes.
- Prayer Requires Belief, Not Doubt – Divided hearts weaken faith.
- Forgiveness Fuels Prayer – Releasing others clears the way for God’s work.
Jesus teaches that mountains move when faith believes, prayer trusts, and forgiveness flows. This is the life He invites us to live.
