Mark 11:24

Context

The day after entering Jerusalem, Jesus curses a fig tree that is full of leaves but bears no fruit, and then enters the temple and drives out those who are buying and selling there. The next morning, when the disciples are astonished to see the fig tree dried up from the roots, Jesus says, "Have faith in God," and declares that whoever tells a mountain to be removed and cast into the sea, and does not doubt, shall have whatever he says (Mark 11:20-23). Verse 24 draws the conclusion from that saying, and verse 25 continues with the instruction to forgive others when praying. Because the fig tree narrative frames the account of the cleansing of the temple, many interpreters regard it as symbolizing judgment on a fruitless temple.

Interpretation

• As prayer that trusts God: On this reading, the object of faith is God, and the verse encourages prayer that trusts in His power and goodness. The phrase "believe that ye receive" (literally "received," a past tense in the Greek) is explained as an exhortation to be confident that God has already heard.
• In its context: Noting that "this mountain" may refer to the mountain on which the Jerusalem temple stood, some scholars read the passage to mean that the community of faith and prayer, rather than the old temple system, becomes the new temple.

Controversy

The twentieth-century American Word of Faith movement used this verse as the basis for teaching "positive confession," the idea that confessing with one's mouth, in faith, what one desires brings about health and wealth. Many evangelical theologians and denominations have criticized this teaching for placing faith in the power of one's own words rather than in God, and for leading people to blame those whose prayers go unanswered for a lack of faith. The principal objection is that prayer must accord with the will of God (1 John 5:14; Mark 14:36).

In Korea, the teaching of Pastor David Yonggi Cho on "fourth-dimensional spirituality," which emphasizes thought, faith, dreams, and words, has been discussed in comparison with this movement. Supporters regard it as a concrete application of biblical faith and hope, while critics consider it close to prosperity theology and positive thinking. Within Pentecostal churches as well, some who emphasize divine healing and the assurance of answered prayer insist that the sovereignty of God must also be confessed.

Related Passages

• Mark 11:22-25
• Matthew 21:21-22
• James 1:6-7
• 1 John 5:14-15