Have faith in God,This phrase emphasizes the centrality of faith in the believer's relationship with God. In the context of
Mark 11, Jesus had just performed the cursing of the fig tree, which withered as a demonstration of the power of faith and the importance of spiritual fruitfulness. Faith in God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, seen in
Hebrews 11:6, which states that without faith it is impossible to please God. The call to have faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust and reliance on God's character and promises. This faith is foundational to the Christian life, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who is called the father of faith (
Romans 4:16).
Jesus said to them.
Jesus is addressing His disciples, who are often portrayed in the Gospels as needing instruction and encouragement in their faith journey. This moment occurs during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, a time filled with significant teaching and preparation for His impending crucifixion. The disciples had witnessed many miracles and teachings, yet Jesus continually sought to deepen their understanding and reliance on God. This instruction is part of a broader narrative where Jesus is preparing His followers for the challenges they will face after His departure. The authority of Jesus' words is underscored by His role as the Son of God, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the ultimate revelation of God's will and purpose.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of faith.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on how to live a life of faith.
3.
JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life.
4.
The Fig TreeEarlier in
Mark 11, Jesus curses a fig tree, which withers, serving as a backdrop for this teaching on faith.
5.
The TempleJesus had just cleansed the temple, an act demonstrating His authority and zeal for true worship.
Teaching Points
The Nature of FaithFaith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God's character and promises.
Faith and ActionTrue 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 TrialsIn times of difficulty, faith in God provides strength and perspective, reminding us of His sovereignty and goodness.
Cultivating FaithRegular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential for growing in faith.
Faith and PrayerOur prayers should be rooted in faith, trusting that God hears and responds according to His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 11:22?
2.How can we practically "have faith in God" in our daily lives?
3.What does Mark 11:22 teach about the nature of true faith?
4.How does Mark 11:22 connect with Hebrews 11:1 on faith's definition?
5.In what ways can we strengthen our faith according to Mark 11:22?
6.How does trusting God impact our response to life's challenges?
7.What does "Have faith in God" in Mark 11:22 mean for daily Christian living?
8.How does Mark 11:22 challenge modern scientific understanding and belief in miracles?
9.Why is faith emphasized in Mark 11:22 over actions or deeds?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 11?
11.What is the definition of positive confession?
12.Is "Name It and Claim It" biblically supported?
13.What did Jesus mean by 'faith that moves mountains'?
14.What were the teachings of Jesus?What Does Mark 11:22 Mean
HaveJesus doesn’t begin with an optional suggestion but with an imperative.
• The word “have” places responsibility on the listener—own this attitude, embrace it now.
• It follows the startling withering of the fig tree (Mark 11:20-21), showing that spiritual fruitfulness is tied to obedient trust.
• The command echoesJoshua 1:9, where God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous,” reinforcing that divine directives are meant to be acted upon immediately.
FaithThe focus is not on feelings but on settled confidence.
•Hebrews 11:1 defines it: “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.”
•Romans 10:17 adds, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ,” linking faith to revelation, not wishful thinking.
• True faith is alive and active; asJames 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Jesus calls for a trust that steps forward in obedience.
In GodThe object of faith matters far more than the amount.
•Psalm 37:5 urges, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.”
•Jeremiah 17:7 blesses “the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is Him.”
• By directing faith “in God,” Jesus redirects us away from self-reliance, religious systems, or circumstances and toward the One who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and whose “word stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Jesus saidThe authority behind the command guarantees its reliability.
•Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
•John 12:49-50 shows that the Father backs every word Jesus utters.
• Because the Savior speaks, the disciples—and we—can respond with certainty that faith will be honored.
To themThe instruction is personal and communal, first to the Twelve, then to every follower.
•Mark 11:23-24 immediately applies it to prayer that moves mountains, proving the promise is meant to be practiced.
•John 14:12 broadens it: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing.”
• The plural “them” reminds the church that shared faith nurtures bold action (Acts 4:24-31).
summaryMark 11:22 is Jesus’ concise call to an active, unwavering trust anchored solely in God’s character and promises. It is a command, not a suggestion; it centers on confident dependence, not self-effort; and it is spoken with divine authority to every disciple. Living out “Have faith in God” unlocks fruitful prayer, courageous obedience, and Kingdom impact today.
Verses 22, 23. -
Have faith in God; literally,
have the faith of God - full, perfect, effectual faith in him; faith like a grain of mustard seed. You may be staggered and perplexed at what you will see shortly; but "have faith in God." The Jews may seem for a time to flourish like that green fig tree; but they will "soon be cut down as the grass, and be withered as the green herb." What seems difficult to you is easy with God. Trust in the Divine omnipotence. The things which are impossible with men are possible with him. Our Lord then uses a metaphor frequently employed to indicate the accomplishment of things so difficult as to be apparently impossible. He employs a bold and vivid hyperbole; and, pointing probably to the Mount of Olives overhanging them, and on the shoulders of which they were then standing, he says, "With this faith you might say to this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, and it shall come to pass."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
“HaveἜχετε(Echete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.faithπίστιν(pistin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.in God,”θεοῦ(theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.saidλέγει(legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.to them.αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Mark 11:22 Jesus answered them Have faith in God (Mar Mk Mr)