19 And when it was evening he went forth without the city.

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

20 And passing by early in the morning they saw the fig-tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering [what Jesus had said], says to him, Rabbi, see, the fig-tree which thou cursedst is dried up. 22 And Jesus answering says to them, Have faith in God. 23 Verily I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken away and cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says takes place, whatever he shall say shall come to pass for him. 24 For this reason I say to you, All things whatsoever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye receive it, and it shall come to pass for you. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive if ye have anything against any one, that your Father also who is in the heavens may forgive you your offences. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your offences.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 11:19-26

Commentary on Mark 11:19-26

(Read Mark 11:19-26)

The disciples could not think why that fig-tree should so soon wither away; but all wither who reject Christ; it represented the state of the Jewish church. We should rest in no religion that does not make us fruitful in good works. Christ taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against us. It purifies the heart, and so removes mountains of corruption, and makes them plain before the grace of God. One great errand to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of our sins; and care about this ought to be our daily concern.