Mark 11:22—“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”
Jesus spoke these words after the disciples noticed that the fig tree He had cursed had withered from its roots. Mark places the cleansing of the temple between the cursing and the withering of the tree (vv. 12–21), thereby linking the two events. The tree, full of leaves but without fruit, symbolised the outwardly impressive yet spiritually barren religion centred in Jerusalem. The withered tree demonstrated both the authority of Christ’s word and the certainty of divine judgement.
In this setting, Jesus commanded His disciples, “Have faith in God.” He emphasised that their faith ought to be directed towards God and to rest entirely upon Him. Christ did not teach, as some claim, faith in faith itself, nor did He promise that confident thoughts would bring every personal desire to pass. Biblical faith has God, His character, promises, wisdom, and power as its object.
The reference to moving a mountain in the following verse (v.23) emphasises the mighty works God can accomplish in answer to believing prayer. Yet faith does not attempt to compel God to fulfil human wishes. True faith prays in submission to His will, seeks His glory, and trusts that He will accomplish all He has promised. “This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14).
Faith in God is especially necessary when difficulties seem immovable. We may not see how God will provide, deliver, guide, or sustain us, yet our confidence rests on Him rather than on visible circumstances. The God who caused the fig tree to wither by Christ’s word remains sovereign over every obstacle.
Therefore, do not measure God’s faithfulness by the size of your troubles or the weakness of your resources. Look away from yourself and rest in the almighty, wise, and unchanging God. Have faith, not in your plans, abilities, or feelings, but in God.
