Mark 11:22
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus' emphasis on faith appears throughout His ministry: "Your faith has made you whole" (Mark 5:34; 10:52), "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29), "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:25). Faith was central to Jesus' message and the early church's proclamation (Acts 16:31; Romans 1:17; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8). The disciples needed this emphasis as they approached Jesus' crucifixion—events that would severely test their faith. Peter's denial (Mark 14:66-72), the disciples' desertion (Mark 14:50), and their despair after the crucifixion (Luke 24:21) showed how fragile their faith was. Yet resurrection faith transformed them: the same disciples who fled became bold proclaimers who faced persecution and martyrdom. This transformation fulfilled Jesus' promise that faith in God—even small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20)—accomplishes great things. The early church's rapid growth despite overwhelming opposition (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7) demonstrated mountain-moving faith in action.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command 'Have faith in God' distinguish authentic biblical faith from self-confidence or positive thinking?
- What does it mean practically to maintain continuous, ongoing faith in God (present imperative) rather than occasional, circumstantial belief?
- In what ways does focusing faith on God's character and power rather than desired outcomes transform how we pray and face obstacles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God (Ἔχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ)—Jesus responds to the disciples' amazement (v. 21) by redirecting focus from the miracle to its underlying principle: faith in God. The Greek construction echete pistin theou (ἔχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ) can be translated "Have faith in God" (objective genitive) or "Have the faith of God" (subjective genitive)—likely the former, emphasizing trust in God's power and character. The present imperative echete (ἔχετε, "have") indicates continuous action: maintain ongoing faith, not merely momentary belief.
This simple command contains profound theology. Faith (pistis, πίστις) is not self-generated confidence or positive thinking but trust in God's character, promises, and power. The focus is theocentric—faith in God, not faith in faith. The withered fig tree demonstrates God's power working through Jesus' word; now Jesus teaches that faith in this same God enables His followers to participate in God's powerful work. The subsequent verses (vv. 23-25) elaborate: faith moves mountains, receives answers to prayer, and forgives others. But the foundation is verse 22: genuine faith is oriented toward God, rooted in His nature, and confident in His ability to accomplish His purposes.