Question 1

What is the meaning of the fig tree dried up from the roots?

Accepted Answer

The dried fig tree shows what happens when there is a show of life but no real fruit. The day before, the tree had leaves but no figs. Jesus had spoken a curse over it, and now the disciples see it completely withered, even from the roots. This points to how serious it is to be outwardly religious but empty inside. It pictures a kind of faith that has leaves but no fruit, and it warns that God looks for real fruit in the lives of His people, not just an appearance of life.

Question 2

What does Jesus mean when He says, "Have faith in God"?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, "Have faith in God," He is calling the disciples to trust God Himself, not their own power. The withered fig tree showed His authority, but He turns their eyes to God as the one who answers prayer. This faith comes from God and rests on who He is, His power, truth, and kindness. It believes that God can do what seems impossible and that He keeps His promises. Jesus is not just talking about general optimism, but a steady trust in the living God when they pray and serve Him.

Question 3

How should we understand saying to a mountain "Be removed" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jesus speaks of saying to a mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," to show how strong real faith in God is. He and the disciples are near the Mount of Olives, and He uses a picture of something huge and fixed being moved. The point is not that believers should move actual mountains for their own wishes, but that nothing is too hard for God when His people pray in line with His will. He stresses not doubting in the heart, but believing that what God has promised will be done, even when it seems humanly impossible.

Question 4

What does it mean to believe that you receive what you ask in prayer?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them," He is talking about praying in a way that truly expects God to answer. This is not about pretending you already have something, but about trusting that God will give what fits His revealed will, His gospel, and His glory. It means coming to God so sure of His character that you can count on Him to hear you. You ask according to what pleases Him, and you rest in the promise that He will give what is best, in His time and way.

Question 5

Why does Jesus connect forgiveness with prayer in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jesus joins forgiveness and prayer because an unforgiving heart does not match someone asking for mercy from God. He says that when you stand praying and remember you have something against someone, you should forgive from the heart. Instead of using prayer time to ask God to punish others, you let go of the wrong they did to you. This does not earn God’s pardon, but it shows a heart that has been shaped by His grace. Those who are ready to forgive can expect to know and enjoy the Father’s forgiveness of their own sins.

Question 6

How does unforgiveness affect a believer’s prayers according to this text?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, unforgiveness is pictured as something that blocks fellowship with God. Jesus warns that if someone is holding on to a complaint against another while praying, they should forgive so that their Father in heaven may forgive their trespasses. The point is that clinging to bitterness is not fitting for someone who often asks God for mercy. It does not mean God’s grace depends on our works, but that those who refuse to forgive show a spirit that does not match the grace they claim to receive, and this harms their prayers.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about the kind of faith that prays?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that the faith that prays is active, confident, and joined with love. It looks at the withered fig tree and knows that God can act in powerful ways. It talks to God about big things, like mountains being moved, yet it also cares about the state of the heart, making sure there is no grudging spirit toward others. This faith trusts God’s promises, asks for things that honour His name and spread His good news, and keeps on believing even before the answer is seen. It is a faith that works by love and brings fruit.

Question 8

Why is this passage important for understanding spiritual fruitfulness?

Accepted Answer

The withered fig tree stands next to Jesus’ words about faith and forgiveness as a picture of fruitless religion. The tree once looked healthy, full of leaves, but it had no fruit and soon was dead from the roots. This warns against a life that looks busy and religious but does not bear real fruit of trust, obedience, and love. In contrast, the kind of faith Jesus describes leads to prayer that trusts God and a heart that forgives. That is the sort of life that brings spiritual fruit, in contrast to empty show that ends in dryness and loss.

Question 9

How can a believer apply Jesus’ teaching on prayer and forgiveness today?

Accepted Answer

A believer can apply this teaching by first checking the heart before God in prayer. When you come to pray, remember who God is and choose to trust His power and goodness, even when the need seems huge. Ask for things that line up with His will and honour His name. At the same time, think about people who may have wronged you. Instead of holding on to anger, forgive them in your heart, even if they are not present. This way, your prayers flow from faith and a soft heart, which fits those who have been forgiven by the Father.

Mark 11:20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

The Withered Fig Tree

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Mark 11:20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

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The Withered Fig Tree

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