Faith / Bible Answers

What Does It Mean to Speak to the Mountain in Mark 11?

Direct Answer In Mark 11:22–25, Jesus uses the image of speaking to a mountain to teach bold faith in God and believing prayer. The same instruction also calls disciples to forgive when they pray. Jesus places trust in God at the start of the teaching and makes forgiveness part of the way His disciples bring their requests to Him. Read the whole paragraph and bring your concern to God while taking seriously Jesus’ instruction to forgive.

Published by Vince Baker Ministries · Scripture references link to the KJV

A beam of golden light over a mountain and a gathered crowd

Start where Jesus starts

The disciples have just seen the withered fig tree. Jesus directs their attention to God, then describes a mountain thrown into the sea. The picture takes their imagination beyond what looks manageable. The first question is whose power the disciple is trusting when bringing an impossible need before God.

Why does Jesus mention forgiveness?

Verse 25 brings a very personal matter into a lesson about great obstacles. Prayer involves how we stand before God and how we regard people who have wronged us. This resonates with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6. Read the entire passage together before turning any one line into a technique.

Put the passage into words

Name a real obstacle and ask for what you need. Ask God to align your desire with his will, as 1 John 5 teaches. If an offense comes to mind, take time to bring that honestly into prayer too.

Read the Scripture passages

Scripture to reflect on

“Have faith in God.”
Mark 11:22 · KJV

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Faith Secrets

Vince Baker explains what Biblical faith is, how to pray the prayer of faith, and why faith is tested. He also explores Jesus’ teaching about speaking to mountains.

“Big fan of this book. Vince is changing lives” — Xan, reader review

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Use the original free companion questions for personal reflection or a small group.

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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Is speaking to a mountain the same as making a wish?

Mark’s account grounds the image in faith in God, believing prayer, and forgiveness.

Why does Jesus mention forgiveness in the same passage?

Mark 11:25 tells the disciples to forgive when they stand praying. That instruction is part of the same teaching on faith and prayer.

Which book goes with this study?

Explore Faith Secrets by Vince Baker.