Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 11:19-26

"And every evening he went forth out of the city. And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. [But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.]" — Mark 11:19-26 (ASV)

The disciples could not understand why that fig tree should wither away so soon; but all who reject Christ wither. It represented the state of the Jewish church.

We should rest in no religion that does not make us fruitful in good works. From this, Christ taught them to pray in faith.

This teaching may be applied to the mighty faith with which all true Christians are endowed, a faith that does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and thus removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against us. It purifies the heart, and thus removes mountains of corruption, and makes them level before the grace of God.

One great purpose in approaching the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of our sins; and this should be our daily concern.