Therefore, I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. Mark 11:24 WEB
Chapter eleven of Mark’s gospel begins with a description of Jesus entering Jerusalem as king. The people gathered near him, spreading their garments and branches from trees on the ground as Christ rode a donkey through the streets on his way to the temple.
The crowd celebrated and praised Jesus as they followed along. Recognizing him as the Christ, they quoted a Psalm of king David saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” and in Mark 11:10, “Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! WEB”
Late in the day, Jesus visited the temple and then went to Bethany with his twelve disciples. The next day, hungry and seeking to teach his disciples a lesson about living fruitful lives and the power in his words, Jesus approached a fig tree which bore no fruit at the time. Jesus proclaimed that no one would ever eat fruit from that tree again. He then went to the temple and threw out the money changers and those who sold doves.
Have Faith in God
The next morning, Peter noticed that the fig tree withered and died. Astonished by this, he questioned Jesus about it. In response, Jesus says in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God. WEB” He proceeds to explain that when we believe and do not doubt, whatever things we pray and ask for, “you shall have them. WEB”
This is not an invitation to use God like a wishing well. Rather, it promises that whatever we ask in accordance with the will of God, we receive. Our requests must be in line with God’s plan and purpose. As it says in James 4:3, “You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. WEB”
For our prayers and petition to be answered in the affirmative, alignment with Jesus is essential. As he says in John 15:7, “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. WEB” God rewards those who live in obedience to his word and will.
From his entrance into Jerusalem as king through his words about the fig tree and opposition to corruption in the temple, Jesus teaches that God answers the prayers of the righteous, fruitful, and faithful. In addition, he demonstrates that God does not approve of the proud and the selfish. His words, “you shall have them” refer to petitions and prayers that come from a place of properly intending to serve and obey God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the righteous example of Jesus Christ. Give me wisdom to understand your word and your will. Help me to be more like you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Is My Refuge
