Mark 11:21
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Mark 11:21
In Mark 11:21, Peter recalls and reports to Jesus that the fig tree Jesus cursed has withered from the roots. The disciples’ reminder underscores the teachable moment: Jesus’ authority is proven by observable results. Peter’s astonishment becomes a communal learning cue: faith in God yields real, transformative outcomes. The context ties to the prior verses about judgment and faith—this is not magic but communion with God who can empower faith to affect reality.
The dialog centers faith’s power when coupled with alignment to God’s will. It affirms that faith-practiced prayer yields outcomes consistent with God’s purposes. It also invites reflection on the nature of prayer—how aligned the request is with God’s will—and how God works in and through our requests.
Practical application: examine the aim of your prayers. Are they aligned with God’s promises and the flourishing of your community? If you’ve prayed for something significant, monitor for signs of change, particularly in attitudes and relationships. Cultivate a stance of persevering faith that persists through doubt, and seek to verify your prayers through action that corresponds to God’s heart for justice, mercy, and love.
Cross-References: Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; James 5:16–18; John 15:7