Scripture (Matthew 21:19–22)
19. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. 20. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. 21. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Sermon Summary
In today’s passage, Jesus sees a fig tree with leaves but no fruit, and He curses it, declaring that it will never bear fruit again. Why did He say it would never bear fruit, rather than commanding it to bear fruit?
Ordinary people might have prayed for the tree to produce figs.
Mark 11 records the same event with more detail. Verse 13 explains that the tree had no fruit because it was not the season for figs. Was Jesus unaware of this fact? Yet both Matthew and Mark describe the same outcome: the fig tree withered just as Jesus said.
Though it may seem puzzling or unreasonable to us, Jesus demonstrates the power of prayer that transcends our world. He reveals a realm of God’s work that surpasses human logic and common sense. Using the simple physical reality of hunger, Jesus teaches His disciples—and us who read His Word—about prayer.
Even when something seems unjustified, if we pray, God answers. Therefore, pray! How?
The essence of prayer, as Jesus teaches, is this: “If you have faith and do not doubt.”
Do you feel that your past prayers have gone unanswered? Then instead of blaming God, reflect on your prayers. Did you pray with complete faith that God would surely hear you? Or was there a hidden doubt in your heart—“Would He really answer this?”
This year’s spiritual battle is precisely this: to pray without doubting. It will be a contest of how deeply we trust God. The enemy knows that when we pray in faith without doubt, God’s work is unleashed, so he endlessly interferes—making us lazy, keeping us from prayer, or sowing doubt even when we do pray.
The importance of faith without doubt is emphasized throughout Scripture.
James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.”
Mark 11:24 teaches, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” What stronger faith could there be than believing you have already received what you asked?
One important point remains: the timing of God’s answer.
Matthew records, “Immediately the tree withered,” while Mark notes, “When they passed by in the morning.” The same result can be perceived as an immediate answer for some, or a delayed answer for others. Prayer is answered in God’s timing, so responses may differ from person to person. Expecting instant answers is our own pride and selfishness.
Finally, consider Luke 18:1–8. In the parable, even an unjust judge responds to a widow’s persistent plea. Why? Because she believed he was the one who could resolve her case. If an unrighteous judge responds to persistence, how much more will our righteous God? Let us pray, believing that God alone is our true resolver.
Personal Reflection (Meditation)
As I listened to today’s sermon and said, “Thank You for teaching me how to pray,” a past prayer came to mind. I don’t recall the exact date, but it was around November 2025. I had prayed:
“Lord, sometimes I don’t know how to pray. Sometimes I don’t even know what to ask for. Please teach me how to pray.”
Could today’s message be the answer to that prayer? Thinking this way filled me with excitement and gratitude. Back then, I must have prayed with faith that God would indeed teach me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my plea.
I will pray knowing that You are the resolver of all my problems.
The challenges of life do not trouble me greatly, but my greatest fear is that, as in the past, I might lose sight of You again.
I hold fast to Jesus’ words: “Believe that you have received it.”
Until the day You call me home after I have fulfilled my earthly calling, keep me from ever letting go of You.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. May my eyes always look to You, and may my words and actions be refined to glorify You.
I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.