Faith Speaks
Mark 11
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
(Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-26)
Let’s look at a 2nd witness concerning our faith and what is required.
12. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Let’s look at this phrase in verse 14, this phrase indicates that words were exchanged. We know trees can’t speak but it seems this tree was an object lesson that the Lord used to show his disciples the power of words, and the ability of a tree; or mountain to pose some form of problem that could stand in the way. The scripture states that the disciples heard it. Look at verse 20. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. Peter observed that the tree was not only dead, but it was withered from its roots. Now your going to have to read this passage over and over and over again until this revelation dawns on your heart. Hear the Lord’s explanation, and his application to them that followed: 22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Notice he called that tree a mountain. It represents problems or obstacles, hinderances, or barriers. Then this is the most important part in the scenario. He told them to speak to the mountain. “Speak to it?” Yes speak to the mountain, or obstacle. “Did you mean, speak to God about it?” No, look at the verse again. “ whosoever shall say unto this mountain.” Can you see where we have missed it’? Through the ages men have been baffled because they prayed and prayed that God would do something about that problem, not realizing we were to imitate Christ by speaking to it. When your a baby Christian, God does do things about mountains, because your too young to figure out yet what’s happening. But there comes a time when you must grow and develop your own faith. As you keep moving forward, you become more responsible. Natural growth and spiritual growth are very similar. So please don’t become upset. God wants to help you grow strong.
13. You see, you could petition God to bring about a resolution, but if your going to listen to what that problem is trying to declare to you, you will remain as your. How does a problem speak up to you? There appears on your skin, a red spot. When you look at it, all of a sudden thoughts like, you know this probably is cancer, you had a grandfather that had this very same thing, and you know it wasn’t very long till that red spot increased in size. Then he went to the hospital, and it was down hill from there. Looks like your the next victim. Start preparing everyone around that you won’t be here much longer. That’s how the mountain talks to you. The way you answer it sets the course of your life. I want to bring another scripture in at this point. Hear what James says in the third chapter. James 3
King James Bible
Taming the Tongue
1. brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. These verses are showing the power; positive or negative that your tongue holds. What you want to understand is that the mountain or obstacle attempts to put pressure on your thoughts, thus causing you to speak in agreement with what it presents. But if you answer that mountain like Jesus answered that fig tree, (I will use another Gospel writers description of what Jesus said.) Matthew 18:21-22 21. Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. You see he’s given you the right to speak to any situation that stands in your way. When we pray, we may get some specific directions about the way he would have you speak to it. But the problem will obey God’s word in general. Jesus stayed in close fellowship with his Father and said in John 5: 19 New Living Translation:
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. Learn to live in vital communication and fellowship with God continually. Then when you speak up, your confidence level will be there. Friends your going to have to answer every problem in life with what the word of a God says. We see here that Jesus curse that fig tree from the roots. God may tell you to curse those growths from the roots, so that they will wither and die and not come back again; destroying their life.
