(Mark 11:20-12:12)

 The following morning the disciples saw the fig tree “withered from its roots.” A surprised Peter exclaimed to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” Definitely, it was not an expression of a pleasant surprise. On the contrary, it revealed his doubt on what Jesus can do. Sensing the disciples’ doubt, Jesus exhorted them to believe that whatever they ask from God will be theirs. To illustrate his point, he looked over the horizon south of Jerusalem and pointed to the fortress of Herodion at the peak of a mountain. King Herod the Great removed a portion of that mountain to construct a citadel. Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” If King Herod could remove a portion of the mountain, the disciples’ faith could move the entire mountain and cast it into the sea! They could do greater things if God was the object of their faith!

The disciples learned that effectiveness of prayer is premised on the object of their faith not on the prayer itself. “Have faith in God” were the first words of Jesus. The disciples should have prayed on the basis of their belief that God would answer according to His will not their whims. It involves a complete surrender to God and a willingness to accept His answer—whether it’s a yes, a no, or wait. 

Jesus included an end note to effective prayer—don’t hold grudges! “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” On the surface this seems to contradict the essence of the Passion of Christ—Jesus Christ paying all the penalties of our sins on the cross! But the point is this: when we have grudges against men, we have not forgiven them, and we rob ourselves of the joy of being forgiven by God. 

As Jesus arrived again in Jerusalem, his teaching authority was questioned by the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders. He then started to talk to them in parables that portray the unfortunate consequences on those who would not believe the reason why He was crucified on the cross.

Think of one prayer that already seems improbable for God to answer. For those barely making ends meet, a financial breakthrough. For those debilitated by sickness, a miraculous healing. For those whose marriages are falling apart, the restoration of joy being together.  For those with strained relationships, genuine reconciliation. For those with a prodigal child, a change of heart. For those who are hurting, peace in their hearts. For those with unresolved issues, complete recovery. For those waiting for a lifetime partner, God’s best. For those whose future is uncertain, a clear hope. Have faith in God who can do the impossible. Trust God always answer our prayers according to His will not ours. He knows our situation and will do what is best. In the meantime, don’t hold grudges and enjoy the blessing of being forgiven by God.  

“Lord, thank You for the reminder of how much You love me.  As I look back at the cross of Christ, I am amazed by Your great love for me.  You sacrificed your Son to suffer and die for a wretched man like me. You have forgiven me completely, You have set me free. Forgive me for having an unforgiving spirit towards men. Help me let go of any grudges in my heart that I may truly experience the joy of being forgiven!”