Mark 11:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Although Matthew notes that the fig tree withered at once, leaving the disciples astonished at the sight, do not be unsettled by Mark’s account, which indicates that they observed the tree’s withering the following day. Matthew's statement can be interpreted in this way: ‘And the fig tree immediately withered’—pause here; then continue with: ‘When the disciples saw it, they were astonished.’ When did they witness this?—Not right away, but rather on the subsequent day. One who comprehends this will face no confusion. Observe, then, the divine nature of Christ in this instance. For through the prophets, the Lord declares, ‘I dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree blossom’ (Ezekiel 17:24).

On the morning when He was on His way to Jerusalem with His disciples, the Lord felt hunger and sought to relieve it by reaching for the fruit of a fig tree that was visible from a distance. The tree, lush with leaves, would have led one to expect fruit at this time near the Passover season. Yet, as He approached, the Lord discovered nothing but the same leaves, and in response, He pronounced a curse upon it, causing it to wither immediately. This act could seem perplexing if it lacked a deeper significance, as if the curse were not directed at something justly deserving of the Lord's righteous anger.

On the night between Monday and Tuesday, it is likely that Christ spent His time on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37). As He entered Jerusalem on Tuesday morning, the disciples observed the fig tree that Jesus had cursed the previous day and expressed their astonishment to Him that it had already withered. In response to their observation, Christ shared two important teachings: first, He assured them that they too could perform similar miraculous acts if they prayed to God with faith (Mt. Mk.); second, He emphasized that for their prayers to be effective, they must also forgive those who wrong them (Mk.). This latter guidance, coupled with the promise of great miraculous capabilities through faith, was likely essential for the disciples to prevent any temptation to misuse their miraculous gifts for retaliation against those who offended them.

The following morning, as Jesus and His disciples were journeying from Bethany to Jerusalem, they noticed that the fig tree had withered completely from the roots. The Gospel writer Matthew indicates that the tree had dried up right after Jesus pronounced judgment on it, yet the apostles only observed it on this morning (Tuesday). Peter recalled Jesus’ words from the previous day and exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which You cursed has withered away’ (Mark 11:21). In his voice, one could sense astonishment at how quickly the fig tree had withered.

When the disciples marveled at the profound impact of their Teacher's words, He provided them with a lesson on the strength of faith. Faith holds such tremendous power that if one who possesses it commands a mountain, ‘Rise up and be cast into the sea,’ it shall come to pass. ‘And whatever you ask in prayer in faith, you will receive’.

They observed that the fig tree had withered completely at its roots. In contrast, Mark the Evangelist provides a more thorough and distinct account of what Matthew only summarizes. Therefore, in their accounts, there is no contradiction, but rather a complementary expansion of one narrative upon the other.

After spending the night in Bethany, the following morning, the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples made their final journey to the temple in Jerusalem. As they walked past the barren fig tree, they observed that it had lost all its green leaves, withered down to its roots. Peter, recalling the incident from the previous day, brought the withered tree to the attention of the Master, saying, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree that you cursed has dried up. Wanting to instill a deeper understanding in the hearts of His disciples from His earlier teaching, the Lord responded to Peter by illustrating the profound principle that has the power to perform astonishing miracles—faith—and the strong tool that expresses this faith—prayer.