Mark 11: 12-14; 20-26  The next scene that Mark paints for us takes place the next day after Jesus made His triumphal entrance.  Jesus left Bethany.. without breakfast it seems.. and became  hungry.  When He saw a fig tree with leaves on it He went to see if there were any figs.. but there weren't any.. "for it was not the season for figs.." 

Now, isn't that interesting!  Jesus.. the creator of heaven and earth surely knew there would be no fruit yet on that tree.. but He went to see it anyway.  When He found nothing He said, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!"  

Skipping to verse 20 "And as they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up..." Another interesting event.. overnight this tree went from promising life.. growing green leaves.. to death.. withering from the" root up".  We would normally see a tree begin to wither from the top down.. the leaves fall, the bare branches break.. the trunk begins to rot.. over  a period of years. This tree had a deeper lesson to teach.  Some believe that it represented Israel.. appearing alive.. but fruitless and useless.  The judgement of God would come upon Israel and it would wither and die. 

When Peter takes note of the tree's demise Jesus was ready to teach another lesson.. "Have faith in God." This is what they needed most during this last week before the crucifixion... a faith that would move mountains as well as banish fruitless trees.  They needed faith to pray and ask .. to believe and receive.  And one more important reminder.. forgive.. and be forgiven.. 

Father, what is it that You want us to learn today from Your Word?  Increase our faith today as You did the disciples' after the resurrection.  You gave them faith to move mountains.. to stand against fruitless systems.. and to believe and receive answers to their prayers.  Give to  us this kind of faith today we pray... believing that You will grant us this request!  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!