What does Matthew 17:20 teach about overcoming obstacles through faith? The Setting of Matthew 17:20 Matthew 17 opens with the glory of the Transfiguration, but quickly descends into the valley where the disciples cannot cast a demon out of a tormented boy (vv. 14-18). After Jesus delivers the child, the bewildered disciples ask why they failed. Verse 20 is His direct answer—and a timeless lesson on overcoming every seeming impossibility. What Jesus Says About Faith “Because you have so little faith,” Jesus replies. Then He adds: “ ‘For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’ ” (Matthew 17:20) Key phrases: • “so little faith” – not the quantity per se, but a deficient, wavering trust. • “faith the size of a mustard seed” – the tiniest seed known to His listeners, yet alive and ready to grow. • “this mountain” – an actual peak nearby, but representing any obstacle towering over God’s purpose. • “nothing will be impossible” – an unlimited promise anchored in God’s unlimited power. Mountains and Mustard Seeds—Literal Lessons • Jesus speaks literally: faith can relocate a mountain if the task serves God’s will (cf. Job 9:5). • The greater point: no barrier—physical, spiritual, emotional, or societal—can stand when genuine faith connects us to the Almighty. Why Faith Moves Obstacles • Faith unites us to God’s power (Hebrews 11:6). • Faith aligns our requests with His revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). • Faith refuses doubt, the great crippler (James 1:6-7). • Faith works through obedience (John 14:21). Additional Scriptures That Echo This Promise • Mark 11:22-24—“Have faith in God… whoever says to this mountain…” • Luke 1:37—“For nothing will be impossible with God.” • Hebrews 11:33-34—by faith, saints “conquered kingdoms… escaped the edge of the sword.” • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“we walk by faith, not by sight.” Cultivating Mustard-Seed Faith Today 1. Feed on God’s Word—“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). 2. Pray specifically—speak to the mountain in Jesus’ name (John 14:13-14). 3. Obey immediately—faith grows through action (James 2:17-18). 4. Guard your heart from unbelief—reject voices that magnify the obstacle (Numbers 13:32-33). 5. Celebrate small victories—the seed sprouts before it becomes a tree. Practical Steps to Live It Out • Identify the “mountain” hindering God’s purpose in your life: a sin habit, financial lack, relational rupture, ministry barrier. • Confess any unbelief; receive Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Speak God’s promise over the obstacle; verbs matter—Jesus said “say to this mountain.” • Act in line with your declaration—if the mountain is debt, budget; if sickness, seek prayer and medical wisdom. • Persist until the mountain moves; mustard seeds grow quietly but relentlessly (Galatians 6:9). Key Takeaways • Even the smallest authentic faith links you to God’s limitless might. • Obstacles remain immovable only when faith remains inactive. • Jesus invites you to speak, believe, and act, confident that “nothing will be impossible” when you trust Him without wavering. |
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