Mark 11:20-26 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 11:20-26. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 11:20-24 (NIV)
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.
21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.
23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
On verses 20-24: Here Jesus shows the power of having faith in God. As part of this, Jesus here is encouraging his followers to dream big dreams that involve God. As missionary William Carey is famous for saying, when you’re serving God, expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God. What is something you dream of doing with God for His glory?
Mark 11:25-26 (NIV)
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
26 “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
On verses 25-26: Here Jesus connects God forgiving us with us forgiving others. He tells his disciples that when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive that person, “so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (v25). Keep in mind that verse 26 does not appear in all manuscripts and may be a later addition (possibly to reflect Matthew 6:15). That is why in many modern translations verse 26 is blank.
Why is our forgiving others connected to God forgiving us? It’s because you can’t really experience the life that comes from God’s forgiveness without letting that forgiveness flow through you to others.
It’s like the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are fed by the same Jordan River. So why is it that the Sea of Galilee is full of life while the Dead Sea has almost no life in it at all? It’s because the Sea of Galilee receives water from the Jordan River and also gives water out to other bodies of water. That constant flow of water in and out of the Sea of Galilee keeps it fresh and full of life. In contrast, because the Dead Sea only receives water and never gives any out, it remains just that: dead.
Forgiveness works the same way. You weren’t made just to receive it, but to give it. Forgiveness was always meant to flow through you, not just to you.
If we truly understand how great is God’s forgiveness toward us, a natural next step is to extend forgiveness to those who hurt us. When we forgive others, it shows that we understand, appreciate and receive God’s forgiveness for us.
God, I pray that I would dream big, bold dreams with You. Thank You for Your forgiveness which flows through me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
