Mark 11:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The observers of this occasion had higher expectations for that day, looking forward to the complete establishment of the Messiah's reign. However, through this significant entrance, the Lord accomplished what had been prophesied about Him, and without abandoning His modest demeanor, He departed from Jerusalem that evening. His adversaries felt emboldened, while others remained in anticipation of what would unfold next. In the brief days remaining for the Son of Man on earth, He returned to Jerusalem each morning to engage with the people at the temple, while dedicating the rest of His time to His disciples, often retreating at night to Bethany, to be with His close friends.

The furious Jewish leaders fell silent when they were once more confronted with their lack of comprehension of the Scriptures. Jesus, preferring not to persist in dialogue with them, departed and, due to the late hour, exited the city, heading back to Bethany with His disciples. They likely reached Bethany late at night, as it was already dark. As they passed the fig tree He had condemned earlier that morning, the disciples could not tell it apart from the other fig trees, which remained bare, and they failed to recognize that it had withered away. This event took place on Monday.

When the disciples were astounded by the impact of their Master's teachings, He further imparted wisdom about the might of faith. Faith is so immensely powerful that even one who holds it may command a mountain to ‘Rise up and be cast into the sea,’ and it shall come to pass. ‘And whatever you ask in prayer in faith, you will receive’.