Lessons Learned through Asking

In Matthew 21, we encounter a striking moment that captures the disciples’ awe and Jesus’ profound teaching on faith and prayer. As Jesus and His followers passed by a fig tree, He cursed it for not bearing fruit, and it withered instantly. The disciples, marveling, asked, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” (Matthew 21:20, ESV). Jesus seized this opportunity to teach them a life-changing truth: “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matthew 21:21-22, ESV).

This passage isn’t merely about miracles; it’s a call to a vibrant prayer life anchored in faith. In this post, we’ll explore Matthew 21:22 through careful exegesis, unpacking key Greek terms, and applying four practical lessons about asking in prayer: (1) Asking Doesn’t Have to Hurt, (2) Asking Opens Doors, (3) Asking Leads to Answers, and (4) Asking Glorifies God. Let’s dive in and discover how these truths can transform our walk with God.

Exegesis of Matthew 21:22

Matthew 21:22 states, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (ESV). To grasp its depth, let’s examine the original Greek terms:

“Ask” (αἰτέω, aiteō): This verb means to request or plead earnestly, implying humility and dependence on God.

“Prayer” (προσευχή, proseuchē): Refers to supplication or prayer directed to God, emphasizing intentional communion.

“Receive” (λαμβάνω, lambanō): Means to take or accept, indicating that God grants what is asked.

“Faith” (πίστις, pistis): Denotes trust or belief, here a confident reliance on God’s power and promises.

Jesus ties this promise to a condition: faith without doubt. This isn’t blind optimism but a deep trust in God’s character and will. The context, following the fig tree miracle, shows that this teaching is for disciples, those committed to following Him, not the crowds. As commentator F.B. Meyer notes, true faith aligns with God’s purposes, flowing from union with Him.

Lesson 1: Asking Doesn’t Have to Hurt

Asking can feel risky. What if someone says no? The fear of rejection often holds us back, but Jesus’ words in Matthew 21:22 invite us to a different mindset. When we ask God in prayer, we don’t need to fear. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV). This boldness stems from faith, trust that God hears us.

Yet, what if we ask amiss? James 4:3 clarifies, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (ESV). God’s “no” isn’t a rejection of us but a redirection to His will. In Matthew 21:22, Jesus assures that faith-filled requests, aligned with God’s heart, overcome our fears. Asking becomes a safe, freeing act when we trust His goodness.

Lesson 2: Asking Opens Doors

Jesus models asking in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (ESV). Likewise, He urges us to ask and knock: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, ESV). In Matthew 21:21, Jesus illustrates this with the extreme—moving mountains through faith-filled prayer.

Asking opens doors we can’t foresee. Whether it’s opportunities in life or spiritual breakthroughs, prayer rooted in pistis (faith) unleashes God’s power. Imagine a disciple, inspired by this teaching, praying for a need and watching God provide in ways that defy expectation. Asking isn’t passive; it’s a step of faith that invites divine action.

Lesson 3: Asking Leads to Answers

James 4:2 warns, “You do not have, because you do not ask” (ESV). How often do we miss God’s blessings simply because we don’t ask? Matthew 21:22 promises that when we ask with faith, we receive. This isn’t a blank check but a call to trust God’s leading. Proverbs 3:5 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (ESV).

Sometimes, answers surprise us. A publicist might pitch an idea expecting rejection, only to see unexpected success. Similarly, God exceeds our imagination: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). Asking in faith opens us to God’s sovereign, often astonishing, responses.

Lesson 4: Asking Glorifies God

When prayers are answered, who gets the credit? John 14:13 reveals the purpose: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (ESV). In Matthew 21:22, the faith that receives answers points back to God’s power. A senior publicist relying on God for opportunities views success not as a personal achievement, but as God’s handiwork, bringing Him glory.

Our prayers, whether for provision, healing, or guidance, become a testimony. When God moves mountains or withers fig trees in response to our asking, others see His faithfulness. Asking in faith isn’t just about receiving; it’s about showcasing God’s greatness to the world.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:22 unveils a powerful truth: prayer with faith unlocks God’s promises. Through asking, we learn it doesn’t have to hurt, it opens doors, it leads to answers, and it glorifies God. These lessons call us to bold, trusting prayer. As disciples, let’s approach God confidently, aligning our requests with His will, and watch Him work mightily. May we echo Jesus’ invitation, asking in faith and giving Him all the glory.