Jesus Curses a Tree

Scripture
Mark 11:12-14

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he [Jesus] was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.

Observation
It is interesting that Jesus is shown here to what appears to be angered at a tree, and thus curses it so it will no longer fruit.  A few verses later (20-26), Jesus and the Apostles walk by that same tree and it is withered. Peter notices this and mentions that to Jesus, the tree he cursed is now withered!

At first, this could be a disturbing passage, that Jesus was angered at something that seemed trivial (he was hungry) and then cursed it because it didn't have any figs at that time, plus the verse mentions it wasn't even the right time of year, so it would be silly for Jesus to expect it to have figs.

So one can then conclude that Jesus knew the tree wasn't going to have figs, but purposefully let the Apostles to the tree and cursed it in front of them and this was all part of his plan.  He didn't do it out of spite, out of willy-nilly anger.  He did it on purpose and with a plan.  The plan is revealed in verses 23-26:

Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

Cursing the tree was a lesson to the Apostles.  And it's a lesson to all of us!  What first appears a bit ugly and disturbing is actually very beautiful and encouraging!  The sacrifice of the tree gives us all hope!

Application
How many times have we prayed to be healed, or prayed for a loved one, or prayed for something but in the back of your mind you're doubting. While God knows better than you, this scripture teaches us that we should believe and not doubt.  Our prayers can be powerful.  But note the little condition Jesus puts on this statement that "when you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions." which is a little prelude to our Lord's Prayer.

So, when we pray, pray with belief!  Do not doubt!  And most importantly, forgive those you have grievance with!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have taught us how to pray.  Help me to pray how you taught, pray with belief and pray with no doubts, pray with no hatred in my heart and pray with forgiveness of others.  Help all those who seek you through prayer and help us all in truly believing in you and what you promise.  I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, amen!