(Mark 11:11 – 26)
Prayer: O Jesus, let me offer you the good fruit of my life.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus and the disciples looking at a withered fig tree.)
Context:
On the day after Palm Sunday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On the way, he seeks figs from a tree. Finding none, Jesus proclaims that the tree will never bring forth fruit. The next day. Peter sees the fig tree all withered up. Jesus, then, speaks about confidence in prayer.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
When Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree with leaves, he went to see what he could find. He found only leaves because it was not yet the season for figs. Jesus said, “Never again shall anyone eat of your fruit.” The disciples heard all this. The next day, they saw the fig tree all withered up. Peter remembered Jesus’ words and said, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered up”.
Jesus replied, “Put your trust in God. I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him. If you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The fig tree is an example. Disciples should always be bearing fruit.
- The quickness of the action startles the apostles. It makes them ready for Jesus’ powerful teaching.
- If the disciple trusts in God, and believes without any doubt, then even a mountain (far greater than a fig tree), will be thrown into the sea.
- Mountains symbolize those gigantic obstacles that impede God’s goals and should be removed.
- Jesus says, “Believe that you will receive.”
- See what you need to serve Jesus and ask for it.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, make me a disciple who always bears good fruit.
- O Jesus, teach me to believe like you, without any doubt.
- If I but ask, I will see your blessings. They are waiting for my petition.
- How many mountains in my life need to be cast into the sea!
- “Trust in God.” That is what you always say to me.
- You encourage me. You say “ask in prayer”. You even give me the words to say.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- Today, I will ask God in faith to remove the greatest mountain in my life.
- I will trust that the words I say in prayer share in Jesus’ power.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation)
Put your trust in God. If you are ready to believe, whatever you ask for in prayer, will be done.