Mark 11:22 Study Bible: Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

◄ Mark 11:22 ►

"Have faith in God," Jesus said to them.

Have faith
The phrase "Have faith" is translated from the Greek word "ἔχετε πίστιν" (echete pistin). The word "πίστιν" (pistin) is derived from "πίστις" (pistis), which means faith, belief, trust, or confidence. In the context of the New Testament, faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep trust and reliance on God. This faith is active and dynamic, calling believers to trust in God's promises and His character. Historically, faith has been the cornerstone of the Christian life, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets who trusted God despite their circumstances. This call to "have faith" is a reminder of the necessity of a personal and living trust in God, which is foundational to the Christian walk.

in God
The phrase "in God" is crucial as it directs the object of faith. The Greek preposition "ἐν" (en) indicates a position or relationship, emphasizing that faith is not in oneself, circumstances, or other entities, but solely in God. The term "Θεός" (Theos) refers to the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In the historical and scriptural context, this is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who revealed Himself through the Scriptures and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The call to have faith "in God" is a call to trust in His sovereignty, His goodness, and His faithfulness. It is a call to recognize that God is the ultimate source of strength and hope, and that He is worthy of our complete trust and reliance.

Jesus said to them
This phrase highlights the authority and the personal nature of the instruction. "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "The Lord saves." As the Son of God, Jesus speaks with divine authority. The phrase "said to them" indicates that this was a direct communication to His disciples, who were His closest followers. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus often used such moments to teach profound spiritual truths. His words are not just for the disciples of that time but are preserved for all believers throughout history. The authority of Jesus' words is underscored by His identity as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the one who reveals the Father to us. His instruction to have faith in God is both a command and an invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with God through trust and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of faith.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on how to live a life of faith.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life.

4. The Fig Tree
Earlier in Mark 11, Jesus curses a fig tree, which withers, serving as a backdrop for this teaching on faith.

5. The Temple
Jesus had just cleansed the temple, an act demonstrating His authority and zeal for true worship.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Faith
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God's character and promises.

Faith and Action
True faith results in action. Just as Jesus acted on His faith in God, we are called to live out our faith in practical ways.

Faith in Trials
In times of difficulty, faith in God provides strength and perspective, reminding us of His sovereignty and goodness.

Cultivating Faith
Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential for growing in faith.

Faith and Prayer
Our prayers should be rooted in faith, trusting that God hears and responds according to His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Jesus cursing the fig tree earlier in Mark 11 help us understand His teaching on faith in verse 22?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper faith in God in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of faith in Mark 11:22 relate to the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our prayers are rooted in faith, as taught in James 1:6?

5. How can the assurance of Philippians 4:13 encourage us to live out our faith in challenging circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:1
This verse defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, providing a deeper understanding of what Jesus means by "faith in God."

James 1:6
This passage emphasizes the necessity of asking in faith without doubting, which complements Jesus' teaching on the power of faith.

Matthew 17:20
Jesus speaks about faith as small as a mustard seed being able to move mountains, illustrating the potential of genuine faith.

Romans 10:17
Faith comes from hearing the message of Christ, highlighting the importance of the Word in developing faith.

Philippians 4:13
Paul speaks of doing all things through Christ who strengthens him, showing the practical outworking of faith in God.

Sermons

Faith in God	H. Bonar, D. D.	Mark 11:22
Have Faith in God	J. Richardson, M. A.	Mark 11:22
Have Faith in God	G. Macdonald, D. D.	Mark 11:22
Have Faith in God		Mark 11:22
Have Faith in God -- Never Give Up in Despair		Mark 11:22
Have Faith in God -- Wonder-Working Faith	S. Cox, D. D.	Mark 11:22
The Orphan's Prayer		Mark 11:22
The Barren Fig Tree	R. Green	Mark 11:11-25
The Destruction of the Fig Tree	A.F. Muir	Mark 11:12-14, 20 -25
The Blighting of the Barren Fig Tree	J.J. Given	Mark 11:12-26
The Witthered Tree	E. Johnson	Mark 11:20-26

People

David, Jesus, John, Peter

Places

Bethany, Bethphage, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives

Topics

Answering, Faith, God's, Saying, Says

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 11:20-24

1416 miracles, nature of

Mark 11:22-23

5776 achievement

Mark 11:22-24

     8024   faith, and blessings
     8112   certainty
     8612   prayer, and faith
     8617   prayer, effective

Library

December 20 Evening
If the Lord would make windows in heaven might this thing be?--II KGS. 7:2. Have faith in God.--Without faith it is impossible to please God.--With God all things are possible. Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.--Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 24 Evening
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.--ROM. 4:20. Have faith in God. Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.--Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Prayer of Faith. October 7.
With the prayer of faith we can do anything. Look at Mark xi. 24--a text that has saved more than one soul from madness in the hour of sorrow; and it is so simple and wide--wide as eternity, simple as light, true as God Himself. If we are to do great things it must be in the spirit of that text. Verily, when the Son of God cometh shall He find faith in the earth? Letters and Memories. 1843. …
Charles Kingsley—Daily Thoughts,

August 19. "Have Faith in God" (Mark xi. 22).
"Have faith in God" (Mark xi. 22). He requires of us a perfect faith, and He tells us that if we believe and doubt not, we shall have whatsoever we ask. The faintest touch of unbelief will neutralize our trust. But how shall we have such perfect faith? Is it possible for human nature? Nay, but it is possible to the Divine nature, it is possible to the Christ within us. It is possible for God to give it; and God does give it. But Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and He bids us have …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 31. "What Things Soever Ye Desire when Ye Pray, Believe that Ye Receive them and Ye Shall have Them" (Mark xi. 24).
"What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them" (Mark xi. 24). Faith is not working up by will power a sort of certainty that something is coming to pass, but it is seeing as an actual fact that God has said that this thing shall come to pass, and that it is true, and then rejoicing to know that it is true, and just resting and entering into it because God has said it. Faith turns the promise into a prophecy. While it is merely a promise it is contingent …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

July 12. "When Ye Pray, Believe that Ye Receive" (Mark xi. 24).
"When ye pray, believe that ye receive" (Mark xi. 24). Consecration is entered by an act of faith. You are to take the gift from God, believe you have, and confess that you have it. Step out on it firmly, and let the devil know you have it as well as the Lord. When once you say to Him boldly, "I am Thine," He answers back from the heavenly heights, "Thou art Mine," and the echoes go ringing down through all your life, "Mine! Thine!" If you dare confess Christ as your Saviour and Sanctifier He has …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Royal Progress
'... Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.'--Mark xi. 2. Two considerations help us to appreciate this remarkable incident of our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The first of these is its date. It apparently occurred on the Sunday of the Passion Week. The Friday saw the crosses on Calvary. The night before, Jesus had sat at the modest feast that was prepared in Bethany, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Need of us and Ours
'... Say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.'--Mark xi. 3. You will remember that Jesus Christ sent two of His disciples into the village that looked down on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, with minute instructions and information as to what they were to do and find there. The instructions may have one of two explanations--they suggest either superhuman knowledge or a previous arrangement. Perhaps, although it is less familiar to our thoughts, the latter …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nothing but Leaves
'And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; ... 14. And Jesus ... said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever.'--Mark xi. 13, 14. The date of this miracle has an important bearing on its meaning and purpose. It occurred on the Monday morning of the last week of Christ's ministry. That week saw His last coming to Israel, 'if haply He might find any thing thereon.' And if you remember …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nothing but Leaves
"Thine hands, dear Jesus, were not arm'd With an avenging rod, No hard commission to perform The vengeance of a God. But all was mercy, all was mild, And wrath forsook the throne, When Christ on his kind errand came And brought salvation down." Let us rejoice that God commendeth his love towards us, because in "due time Christ died for the ungodly." Yet, as if to show that Jesus the Savior is also Jesus the Judge, one gleam of justice must dart forth. Where shall mercy direct its fall? See, my brethren, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

True Prayer --True Power!
Give me than your attention while I beg you, first, to look at the text; secondly to look about you; and the, to look above you. I. First, LOOK AT THE TEXT. If you look at it carefully, I think you will perceive the essential qualities which are necessary to any great success and prevalence in prayer. According to our Saviour's description of prayer, there should always be some definite objects for which we should plead. He speaks of things--"what things soever ye desire." It seems then that he did …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them."--MARK xi. 24. Here we have a summary of the teaching of our Lord Jesus on prayer. Nothing will so much help to convince us of the sin of our remissness in prayer, to discover its causes, and to give us courage to expect entire deliverance, as the careful study and then the believing acceptance of that teaching. The more heartily we enter into the mind of our blessed Lord, and set ourselves simply …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

To his Praise!
"They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness." THIS chapter is written more than seven years later than the foregoing, in further testimony and praise. Returning to Canada at the time of the Great War, we came face to face with a serious financial crisis. Only two ways seemed open to us. One was to lay our affairs frankly before the Board, showing that our salary was quite insufficient, with war conditions and prices, to meet our requirements. The other course was to just go forward, …
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

The Prayer of Faith.
Text.--"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."--Mark xi. 24. THESE words have been by some supposed to refer exclusively to the faith of miracles. But there is not the least evidence of this. That the text was not designed by our Saviour to refer exclusively to the faith of miracles, is proved by the connection in which it stands. If you read the chapter, you will see that Christ and his apostles were at this time …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Fourth Rule of Prayer Is, that Notwithstanding of Our Being Thus Abased and Truly...
The fourth rule of prayer is, that notwithstanding of our being thus abased and truly humbled, we should be animated to pray with the sure hope of succeeding. There is, indeed, an appearance of contradiction between the two things, between a sense of the just vengeance of God and firm confidence in his favour, and yet they are perfectly accordant, if it is the mere goodness of God that raises up those who are overwhelmed by their own sins. For, as we have formerly shown (chap. iii. sec. 1, 2) that …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Praying Without Doubting
PRAYING WITHOUT DOUBTING ". . . And shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." -- Mark 11:23 These interesting words are a part of the Saviour's discourse on the power of faith. The disciples were greatly astonished by the power manifested in the Master's words which dried up the fruitless tree from the roots. When Jesus arrested the attention of His disciples by this unusual miracle, He obviously intended …
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Praying with Desire
PRAYING WITH DESIRE ". . . What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." -- Mark 11:24. These inspiring words of Jesus disclose that He has obligated Himself to satisfy the incessant and insistent desires of His praying people. His words leave no doubt in our minds regarding His willingness to answer our requests. He makes it plain that whatsoever things are required to satisfy our spiritual and temporal needs shall be granted according to the …
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
"The guests at a certain hotel were being rendered uncomfortable by repeated strumming on a piano, done by a little girl who possessed no knowledge of music. They complained to the proprietor with a view to having the annoyance stopped. 'I am sorry you are annoyed,' he said. 'But the girl is the child of one of my very best guests. I can scarcely ask her not to touch the piano. But her father, who is away for a day or so, will return tomorrow. You can then approach him, and have the matter set right.' …
Edward M. Bounds—The Necessity of Prayer

May one Know that He is Filled?
The question is often asked--How am I to know when I am filled with the Holy Ghost? 1. You may know it from the testimony of the written Word. "All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them" (Mark xi. 24). From this you know, that if you have, up to your light, fulfilled the conditions necessary to the filling of the Holy Ghost, on praying and asking for the Fullness, it is your privilege to believe that you have received what you have …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Eleventh Lesson. Believe that Ye have Received;'
Believe that ye have received;' Or, The Faith that Takes. Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them.'--Mark xi. 24 WHAT a promise! so large, so Divine, that our little hearts cannot take it in, and in every possible way seek to limit it to what we think safe or probable; instead of allowing it, in its quickening power and energy, just as He gave it, to enter in, and to enlarge our hearts to the measure of what …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Fourteenth Lesson. When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive;'
When ye stand praying, forgive;' Or, Prayer and Love. And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.'--Mark xi. 25. THESE words follow immediately on the great prayer-promise, All things whatsoever ye pray, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them.' We have already seen how the words that preceded that promise, Have faith in God,' taught us that in prayer all depends …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

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