The next morning, the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered as Jesus commanded. And Jesus tells them that they need not fear. It is faithfulness that he looks for. And with faith all things are possible, though perhaps not easy.
How would you describe your faith? When you honestly search the depths of your heart, the extent of your day planner and checkbook, and your life ambitions, what does your faith look like? Is it easily crushed like a house built on sand? Or is it like a house built on a firm foundation? Does your faith hold strong in the presence of fierce adversity?
Perhaps many things are important in life, but none so much as a faith that is real, and love that continues to grow deeper through the journey. Even as Jesus faced trials in court, he did not surrender his authority. He faith kept him strong. That same faith – and authority – is our inheritance should we claim it. It is built by believing God is willing and able. . . by trusting him in all things.
Mark 11:20-33 – In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
