I encourage you to read Mark 11:12-14, 19-24. Verses 23-24 say “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
In vs.12 we see, that though Jesus is the eternal God, yet when He put on flesh and became a man in the incarnation, He subjected Himself to the frailties of human flesh. He got hungry and thirsty, He felt fatigue and pain. As we read in Hebrews, this makes Him a merciful and faithful High Priest, who can relate to us in every way. He was tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin.
In vs.13 we see, that though it wasn’t the season for figs, yet the fig tree had leaves. A fig tree in Israel puts forth it’s fruit before it’s leaves, so if it has leaves, it ought to have figs. In a sense, this tree was deceiving. It gave the appearance of having fruit, when in actuality it did not. Some believe this was a type of national Israel, who had the “leaves” of outward piety and religion, but no fruit. Jesus often called their leaders hypocrites. The church of Laodicea could also be compared to it (Rev 3). We must take care that we have more than just leaves in our Christian walk.
In vs. 14, notice that Jesus answered (responded) to the fig tree. Problems in life will “speak” to you. You have to speak back! Talk to the problem about God, not to God about the problem. The fact is we’re “talking” all the time. The issue is, what are we saying? Are we complaining? Are we in agreement with the problem? So often we are hung by our own tongue. We need to command our problem! If you think that is weird, then take it up with Jesus. He is the One who taught us these things.
Also, notice the disciples heard Jesus. He spoke to it loud and clear. Don’t whisper to your problem! Use your God-given voice as a positive, creative force. Speak truth. Speak God’s Word if your going to speak (1Pt 4:11). Negative griping, complaining and whining only increase and enforce your problem.
Vs. 20 - in the same account recorded in Mt 21:19-20, it says, “and presently (immediately) the fig tree withered away” when Jesus spoke. This seems like a contradiction, but it is not. The inside of the tree was dead immediately, but it didn’t LOOK dead until the next day. When we pray, things are set in motion, though often we don’t outwardly see it immediately. That’s why we must stand in faith and hold firm to our confession. Don’t negate your prayer through negative words when you don’t see immediate results. Things are happening in the spirit realm! Don’t doubt it!
In vs. 21, the next day Peter points out the withered fig tree in amazement. Jesus probably didn’t even look at the fig tree. Why? Because Jesus operated in perfect faith. He didn’t doubt the power of His Word. He wasn’t shocked. He had confidence. He knew that when He spoke, things would obey. He is our example. We are to be Christ like, and have faith in God.
In vs. 22, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson. Four simple words. Have faith in God. All things are possible to him who believes. Faith in God is the all important issue. Jesus continues in vs. 23 - “Verily” - this is the truth. “Whosoever” - all Christians, not just some special saints. “Shall say” - 3 times “say” is mentioned here. We can’t just think it. We must speak. Let the redeemed of the Lord “say so” (Ps 107:2). “Mountain” - obstacle, problem, whatever issue is hindering. “Be thou removed” - leave! go! get! “Doubt in his heart” - inner man, the soul & spirit. “But believe” - and not doubt. Pure faith, nothing wavering (Jam 1:6-8). “He shall have whatsoever he saith” - you have what you say. This is talking about an individual need or desire. This does not necessarily work in intercession, because people have a free will. They can negate your prayer through unbelief. You may have to pray often for others.
Vs 24 - “Therefore” - so then. “Whatsoever things - that means anything (in line with God’s will, of course - 1Jn 5:14-15). “Desire” - ask, call for, crave. “When you pray - at the very moment. “Believe that you receive them” - presently. “And ye shall have them” - future. Pure faith believes it receives the answer from God the second it is asked. It believes before it sees.
What about importunity (Lk 11:5-13)? Jesus is making a contrast to God, not a comparison. God is not like the “friend” or unjust judge who won’t answer. He will answer speedily (Lk 18:8). Our importunity needs to be in holding fast our confession (Heb 10:23), and not in our request. If we have prayed in faith, we will not ask again. Otherwise, we didn’t believe God heard and answered the first time. No, when we pray in faith, we ask once, and then continually praise Him and thank Him for the answer! Why? Because we believed we received “When we prayed”. Selah.
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