This passage from the Gospel of Mark covers two interconnected events: the lesson of the withered fig tree and the questioning of Jesus' authority by the religious leaders.

The Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-25)

In the morning, as Jesus and His disciples pass by the fig tree that He had cursed the day before, they notice that it has withered from the roots. This prompts Peter to remember what Jesus had done, and he points it out.

Jesus responds with a powerful lesson on faith, saying:

"Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says." (Mark 11:22-23, WEB)

Jesus teaches that faith, when combined with prayer and a forgiving heart, can accomplish the seemingly impossible. The withered fig tree becomes a metaphor for the power of faith and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will.

This lesson reminds us that faith isn't just about belief but also about action and trust. In our daily lives, when we face challenges, we are encouraged to pray with faith, trusting that God will provide according to His will. The emphasis on forgiveness in verse 25 reminds us that holding grudges can hinder our spiritual growth, as we need to forgive others to receive forgiveness from God.

The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Mark 11:27-33)

The second part of this passage takes place in the temple in Jerusalem. The chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Jesus, asking Him by what authority He is performing miracles and teaching. They seek to challenge and discredit Him.

Jesus responds with a question of His own, asking them whether John's baptism was from heaven or from men. This puts the religious leaders in a difficult position. If they say it was from heaven, they would have to acknowledge John's testimony about Jesus. If they say it was from men, they would risk angering the people who regarded John as a prophet.

They ultimately decide to respond, "We don’t know." So, Jesus declines to answer their question directly, saying:

"Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things." (Mark 11:33, WEB)

This exchange highlights the tension between human authority and divine authority. Jesus' refusal to answer their question directly shows that true authority comes from God and isn't subject to human approval. In our lives, we are reminded to seek divine wisdom and not to be overly concerned with the approval or disapproval of others, especially when standing firm in faith and conviction.

Conclusion

This passage from Mark presents two profound lessons: the power of faith and prayer, and the nature of true authority. Jesus calls us to live with unwavering faith, to forgive others, and to recognize that God's authority surpasses all human institutions. As we navigate the complexities of life, these teachings encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and to align ourselves with God's purposes.