Page 69 - Teach us how to Pray - Book Layout - PDF

 Is Jesus saying here that everything we ask for we
will receive as long as we have faith? Motivate your
answer.
 How is this concept of “having faith” misused in
many circles today?

 So how do we have to understand this passage
then?

DIGGING DEEPER

This passage talks about a prayer prayed in such faith that the prayer
(the one who prays) is so certain of what he asks that it is as if he
already received it. We call upon an almighty God. Anything is possible
for Him. Because of this faith in God, we know that that which is
impossible could become possible. Yet the context in which Jesus
spoke these words is crucial for the correct understanding of this
amazing passage.

Many people misuse this passage because they forget the context and
then say we could receive anything we pray for as long as we have
faith.

So, remember the following:

 Jesus was hungry. In passing He found nothing but leaves
on this fig tree. Then He said, “May no fruit ever come
from you again!” So the fig tree withered and the disciples
marveled over it. Mark even said it was not even the
season for the tree to bear fruit.

 Jesus spoke these words at the end of the passage
wherein the fig tree was cursed. Also look at Mark 11:12-14,
20-23. Jesus did this in the last week of His preaching and
ministry on earth. It happened just before Jesus was
arrested and crucified. He was on His way to Jerusalem
when He saw the fig tree.