Then, there is the silly observation that there are greater miracles than moving a mountain, such as the conversions of human hearts. Of course conversion is greater. As the Chinese proverb, loosely translated, says, "A kingdom is easy to change, but a person's nature is hard to move." But this point works against their position, for if the greater miracles like spiritual conversions happen everyday, then what is there to prevent the much smaller miracles like moving mountains from occurring? It is absurd to say that because there are greater miracles, therefore the much smaller ones never happen and are never meant to happen.

Another way that some have challenged a literal interpretation of verse 23 is just to ask, "What good is it?" Why would someone ever need to move a mountain, and to do it by a verbal command? But the question is irrelevant to the discussion. We are considering whether it can happen, not whether we ever need something like this to happen. Many things that we never need to happen are nevertheless possible. Still, no commentator can show that a need for such a miracle would never come up in all of human history.

In Matthew 21, when the disciples ask, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" (v. 20), Jesus replies, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done" (v. 21). Note that he says, "not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain…."

Regarding Matthew 21, one commentator has the nerve to say that although the fig tree that Jesus curses is literal, when he says in verse 21 that the disciples can do the same, the fig tree has become symbolic, just as the mountain is symbolic. It would be easier to assert that the fig tree that Jesus curses is symbolic as well, and that somehow the disciples witness a symbolic fig tree that symbolically withers away. It is easier still just to throw the Bible away and become a non-Christian. There is really no allowance for a solely symbolic interpretation of either the tree or the mountain.

It seems that the most common reason for asserting a symbolic interpretation of Mark 11:23 is just plain unbelief. These commentators fail at the very thing that the verse promotes – the idea that great things are possible when a person believes in God and relies on his power. But their interpretation amounts to a veiled declaration that what Jesus says is false.

For some people, another reason to soften or spiritualize the verse is to prevent its abuse. In our time, there is a teaching that is popular in some charismatic sects. In fact, it is so prevalent that we can even call it a movement. Supposedly derived from Mark 11:23 and similar verses, it says that if a person believes, then whatever he says will happen, and the diligent application of this teaching could bring anyone health and wealth. Commentators are afraid to say anything that would encourage such a teaching. However, to illegitimately soften or spiritualize a biblical verse is a misguided way of solving the problem of abuse. Moreover, the verse does say that if a person believes, then whatever he says will happen. It is futile to counter abuse by denying what the verse clearly and literally means.

(to be continued)

Posted in Expositions | Permanent Link