Mark 11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 11:19-26 – Faith & Doubt, Prayer & Forgiveness

Mark 11:19-26 – Faith & Doubt, Prayer & Forgiveness

|| Matthew 21:20-22[1]

MK11:19 Now while it was still dark Jesus left the city. MK11:20 In the morning as they traveled they saw the fig tree had completely dried up, including its roots. MK11:21 Then Peter began to remember[2] and said to Jesus: “Rabbi, look, the fig tree you cursed is completely withered!” MK11:22 Jesus responded and said to them: “Continue to believe in God! MK11:23 For I tell you this truth: Whoever tell this mountain,[3] ‘Rise and throw yourself into the sea’ – not doubting in the heart at all – but firmly believing that whatever is said will occur – such will see its fulfillment no matter what was asked. MK11:24 This is the reason I tell you: whatever you ask in prayer – believing you will receive it – you will receive it. MK11:25 So whenever you stand up to pray, first forgive anyone who has harmed you,[4] then your heavenly Father will also forgive you your missteps. MK11:26 [[However, if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your missteps.]]”[5]

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[1] Matthew 21:20-22: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Peter began to remember: The whole lesson has been one of faith as well as an analogy of Israel’s barren condition regarding the Messiah.

[3] Whoever tell this mountain: Jesus uses a hyperbole as an absurdum. A “mountain” may represent a great, nearly impossible obstacle to over come. [Zechariah 4:7]

[4] Forgive anyone who has harmed you: Or, KNX: forgive whatever wrong any man has done you; PME: you must forgive anything that you are holding against anyone else. It is possible Jesus says this here – though he has said it much earlier in his ministry – because of conflicts among the apostles themselves. He appeals to his apostles to always begin their prayers with forgiveness of others.

[5] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

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Preceding

Mark 11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 11:1-6 – At Bethany Looking For a Colt

Mark 11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 11:7-11 – Entry Into Jerusalem

Mark 11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 11:12-14 – A Cursed Fig Tree

Matthew 21:18-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Cursed Fig Tree a Lesson in Faith