Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.
The Lord turns the incident of the fig tree into an occasion for teaching about faith. He does not focus the disciples’ attention on the outward astonishing nature of the miracle, but directs them toward God. The words “Have faith toward God” mean to rely on His power, faithfulness, and word. True faith does not depend on human strength or visible conditions, but rests on God’s nature. The disciples would soon face great trials, and they needed a faith that would stand firm not on circumstances, but on God.