"Because you have so little faith," He answered. "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." “Because you have so little faith,” He answered.He answered. Jesus addresses the disciples' lack of faith, which is a recurring theme in the Gospels. The disciples had been unable to cast out a demon, and Jesus attributes this failure to their insufficient faith. This highlights the importance of faith in the life of a believer, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, which states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The disciples' struggle with faith is a reminder of the human tendency to doubt and the need for reliance on God. Mat 8:26 “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid… “For truly I tell you, This phrase underscores the authority and truthfulness of Jesus' words. It is a common expression used by Jesus to emphasize the importance and certainty of His teachings. The use of "truly" (or "verily" in some translations) is a solemn affirmation, indicating that what follows is a foundational truth for the disciples and all believers. Mat 5:18 For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away… if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds known in the region, symbolizing something very small yet potent. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate that even a small amount of genuine faith can have great power. This imagery is consistent with other teachings of Jesus, such as the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32, where the kingdom of heaven is likened to a mustard seed that grows into a large tree. Luk 17:6 And the Lord answered, “If you have faith… you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Mountains often symbolize insurmountable obstacles or challenges. Jesus uses hyperbolic language to convey that faith can overcome great difficulties. The specific mention of "this mountain" may refer to the Mount of Transfiguration or another nearby mountain, emphasizing the tangible reality of faith's power. This teaching is echoed in 1 Corinthians 13:2, where Paul speaks of faith that can move mountains, highlighting the transformative potential of faith in action. Mrk 11:23 Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain,… Nothing will be impossible for you.” This statement reinforces the limitless possibilities available through faith in God. It aligns with other biblical promises, such as Philippians 4:13, which declares that believers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. The emphasis is on God's power working through the believer's faith, rather than human ability alone. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in seemingly impossible situations. Mrk 9:23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible…”… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, providing a teaching moment to His disciples about the power of faith. 2. The Disciples Followers of Jesus who are being instructed on the importance and potential of faith. 3. The Mustard Seed A small seed used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate the power of even a small amount of faith. 4. The Mountain Symbolic of seemingly insurmountable challenges or obstacles that can be overcome through faith. 5. The Event This teaching occurs after the disciples were unable to cast out a demon, prompting Jesus to address their lack of faith. Teaching Points The Power of Small FaithEven a small amount of genuine faith can achieve great things. The mustard seed, though tiny, grows into a large plant, symbolizing how faith can grow and accomplish much. Faith and Action Faith is not passive. Jesus' teaching implies that faith involves action—speaking to the mountain. Believers are called to act in faith, trusting in God's power. Overcoming Obstacles Mountains represent challenges in life. With faith, believers can overcome obstacles that seem impossible by human standards. Dependence on God True faith acknowledges human limitations and relies on God's unlimited power. It is not about the size of our faith but the greatness of the God in whom we place our faith. Faith in Daily Life This teaching encourages believers to apply faith in everyday situations, trusting God for both small and large challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the metaphor of the mustard seed challenge your understanding of faith in your daily life?2. In what ways can you actively demonstrate faith in situations that seem insurmountable? 3. How does the teaching in Matthew 17:20 encourage you to rely on God's power rather than your own abilities? 4. Can you identify a "mountain" in your life that requires faith to move? How can you apply Jesus' teaching to this situation? 5. How do the additional scriptures (Hebrews 11:1, Mark 11:23, etc.) deepen your understanding of the nature and power of faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, which complements Jesus' teaching on the power of faith. Mark 11:23 Jesus similarly teaches about faith moving mountains, reinforcing the message of Matthew 17:20. Luke 17:6 Jesus uses the mustard seed analogy again, emphasizing the power of faith. James 1:6 This passage discusses asking in faith without doubting, which aligns with the teaching on the necessity of unwavering faith. Philippians 4:13 Paul speaks of doing all things through Christ who strengthens, echoing the theme of faith enabling the impossible. People Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter, SimonPlaces Capernaum, Galilee, High MountainTopics Certainly, Declare, Faith, Grain, Hence, Impossible, Itself, Littleness, Mount, Mountain, Move, Moved, Mustard, Mustard-seed, Nothing, Remove, Replied, Says, Seed, Size, Solemnly, Transport, Transported, Truly, Truth, Unbelief, Verily, YonderDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 17:20 2021 Christ, faithfulness 1418 miracles, responses 8837 unbelief, and life of faith Library January 18. "That Take and Give for Me and Thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). "That take and give for Me and thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). There is a beautiful touch of loving thoughtfulness in the account of Christ's miracle at Capernaum in providing the tribute money. After the reference to Peter's interview with the tax collector, it is added, "When he came into the house Jesus prevented him," that is, anticipated him, as the old Saxon word means, by arranging for the need before Peter needed to speak about it at all, and He sent Peter down to the sea to find the piece of gold … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The King in his Beauty The Secret of Power The Coin in the Fish's Mouth Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. , Where Jesus Showed Himself on the Mount to his Three Disciples. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus Taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his Brother," Etc. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast it Out"? Etc. , and on Prayer. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My Brother Sin against Me," Etc. A Desperate Case --How to Meet It Jesus Only The Transfiguration 1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me... Return to Galilee. The Passion Foretold. Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. The Transfiguration. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The On the Morrow of the Transfiguration William Ellery Channing. Thirteenth Lesson. Prayer and Fasting;' Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. Many Advance So Far, but Few Go Farther. A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in Lent --On the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 13-Jan Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine Links Matthew 17:20 NIVMatthew 17:20 NLT Matthew 17:20 ESV Matthew 17:20 NASB Matthew 17:20 KJV Matthew 17:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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