Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus doesn't just say "have faith," he says "have faith in God." This specific phrasing highlights that true faith isn't about believing in yourself or even just believing in faith itself, but rather it's a deep-seated trust directed towards God as the ultimate source of power and action. It’s the very "faith of God," as some understand the original language, implying a faith as powerful and real as God Himself.
Jesus has just cursed a fig tree that had no fruit, and his disciples are astonished to see it withered the next day. In response to their amazement, Jesus uses this moment to teach them about the immense power available through faith and prayer.
What does it mean to have 'the faith of God'? It's more than just belief; it's a faith that reflects God's own character.
Jesus' command to 'Have faith in God' (ἔχετε πίστιν θεοῦ) is a profound statement. While often translated as 'Have faith in God,' the Greek can also be understood as 'Have God's faith.' This isn't about possessing divine attributes, but about mirroring God's steadfastness and power in our own faith. It means trusting God's promises and His ability to act, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Think of it this way: when we have 'God's faith,' our faith is characterized by God's own faithfulness. It's a faith that isn't easily shaken, a faith that looks to God as the ultimate source of power and the guarantor of His Word. It's about aligning our belief with His reality, trusting that what He can do, He will do for those who belong to Him.
Jesus links faith directly to astonishing actions – withering a tree and moving mountains. What does this teach us about the scope of God's power through our faith?
The context here is crucial. Jesus has just cursed a fig tree that was fruitless, and it withered. When the disciples marvel, Jesus uses it as an object lesson on faith. He connects this dramatic event directly to prayer and belief:
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it is more than intellectual assent; it is a vital, living trust, reliance, and commitment to the character, power, and promises of God.
diakrinō · Greek Verb
A state of wavering, divided opinion, or internal conflict that hinders one’s total reliance on God's ability to fulfill His purposes.
proseuchē · Greek Noun
A solemn petition, request, or act of worship directed toward God, characterized by dependence upon His grace and alignment with His will.
Jesus' command to 'have faith in God' comes in the wake of His dramatic actions in Jerusalem – the symbolic cursing of the unfruitful fig tree and the forceful cleansing of the temple. These events, coupled with the growing hostility of the religious leaders, highlight the immense spiritual and political turmoil of His final week. Jesus directs His disciples to anchor their trust not in outward circumstances or human opposition, but in the sovereign power of God.
c. AD 30, Sunday— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes a public, royal entry into Jerusalem, hailed by crowds, signaling His messianic claims.
c. AD 30, Monday morning
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Jesus curses a fig tree that has no fruit, as a symbolic lesson for His disciples.
c. AD 30, Monday morning
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Jesus drives out merchants and money changers from the temple courts, denouncing their corrupt practices.
c. AD 30, Monday afternoon
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Jesus teaches the crowds daily in the temple, drawing admiration and anger from religious leaders.
Jesus reminds Martha that if she believes, she will see the glory of God, highlighting the connection between faith and divine action in overcoming impossible situations.
Matthew 17:20This passage directly parallels the teaching on faith, stating that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, emphasizing the immense power inherent in even a small amount of true faith.
Hebrews 11:1This foundational verse defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, providing a theological basis for the kind of trust Jesus calls for.
Romans 4:20The example of Abraham is used to illustrate unwavering faith in God's promises, even when they seemed impossible, showing a precedent for trusting God's power against all odds.
1 Corinthians 2:5This verse contrasts human wisdom with the power demonstrated through God, suggesting that the miracles Jesus performs and the faith he calls for are rooted in divine power, not human capability.
calvinMark 11:11-24: "And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve."
- And when he entered into Jerusalem, the whole city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11. And the multitudes said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth in Galilee. 12. And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all that sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the mon…
clarkeMark 11:22: "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."
Have faith in God - Εχετε πιϚιν θεου is a mere Hebraism: have the faith of God, i.e. have strong faith, or the strongest faith, for thus the Hebrews expressed the superlative degree; so the mountains of God mean exceeding great mountains - the hail of God, exceeding great hail, etc.
Jesus doesn't just say "have faith," he says "have faith in God." This specific phrasing highlights that true faith isn't about believing in yourself or even just believing in faith itself, but rather it's a deep-seated trust directed towards God as the ultimate source of power and action. It’s the very "faith of God," as some understand the original language, implying a faith as powerful and real as God Himself.
Jesus has just cursed a fig tree that had no fruit, and his disciples are astonished to see it withered the next day. In response to their amazement, Jesus uses this moment to teach them about the immense power available through faith and prayer.
Jesus has just cursed a fig tree that had no fruit, and his disciples are astonished to see it withered the next day. In response to their amazement, Jesus uses this moment to teach them about the immense power available through faith and prayer.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 11:22-24 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 30, Tuesday morning
Disciples See the Withered Fig Tree
The disciples notice the fig tree cursed the previous day has withered, prompting Jesus' teaching on faith.
c. AD 30, Tuesday
Religious Leaders Plot Against Jesus
The chief priests, scribes, and rulers, alarmed by Jesus' authority and popularity, begin actively seeking to kill Him.
"And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for…" — Jesus doesn't just say "have faith," he says "have faith in God." This specific phrasing highlights that true faith isn't about believing in yourself or even just believing in faith itself, but…
