Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. But this kindThis phrase refers to a specific type of demon or spiritual challenge that requires a deeper level of spiritual engagement. In the context of Matthew 17, Jesus is addressing the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy. The term "this kind" suggests that there are varying levels of spiritual warfare, and some require more than the usual approach. This aligns with Ephesians 6:12, which speaks of wrestling against spiritual forces of evil. Luk 9:40-42 I begged Your disciples to drive it out… does not go out The phrase indicates the necessity of a deliberate and powerful action to expel the demon. In the Gospels, Jesus often casts out demons with a word, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm. The disciples' failure here highlights the need for a deeper reliance on spiritual disciplines. This echoes Mark 9:29, where Jesus also emphasizes the need for prayer. Mrk 9:25-27 When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked… except by prayer Prayer is presented as a crucial element in overcoming significant spiritual obstacles. It is a means of aligning oneself with God's will and accessing His power. Throughout the Bible, prayer is shown as a powerful tool for believers, as seen in James 5:16, which states that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray, setting an example for His followers. Mrk 9:29 Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out”… and fasting.” Fasting, coupled with prayer, is depicted as a way to intensify one's spiritual focus and dependence on God. In biblical times, fasting was a common practice for seeking God's guidance, repentance, or deliverance, as seen in the story of Esther (Esther 4:16) and the early church (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting is a form of self-denial that can heighten spiritual sensitivity and demonstrate earnestness in seeking God's intervention. Mat 6:16-18 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the spiritual discipline required to cast out certain demons. 2. The Disciples Followers of Jesus who were unable to cast out a demon from a boy, prompting Jesus to explain the necessity of prayer and fasting. 3. The Boy with a Demon A young boy possessed by a demon, whose condition prompted the discussion on spiritual authority and discipline. 4. The Father of the Boy He brought his son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him, demonstrating faith and desperation for his son's deliverance. 5. The Region of Galilee The geographical setting where this event takes place, a region where Jesus performed many miracles and teachings. Teaching Points The Power of Prayer and FastingPrayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that prepare believers to face spiritual challenges and exercise authority over demonic forces. Faith and Spiritual Authority Faith is essential in exercising spiritual authority. Jesus highlights that certain spiritual victories require a deeper level of faith, cultivated through prayer and fasting. Dependence on God This passage teaches believers to rely on God's power rather than their own strength. Prayer and fasting are ways to express dependence on God. Spiritual Preparation Just as Jesus prepared His disciples, believers today must be spiritually prepared to face challenges. Regular prayer and fasting can strengthen one's spiritual readiness. Community and Support The disciples' inability to cast out the demon reminds us of the importance of community and seeking support from fellow believers in spiritual battles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the practice of prayer and fasting enhance our spiritual authority and effectiveness in ministry?2. In what ways can we incorporate regular prayer and fasting into our personal spiritual disciplines? 3. How does this passage challenge our understanding of faith and dependence on God in difficult situations? 4. What lessons can we learn from the disciples' experience about the importance of spiritual preparation and readiness? 5. How can we support one another in our faith communities to grow in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting? Connections to Other Scriptures Mark 9:29This parallel account in Mark's Gospel also emphasizes the necessity of prayer and fasting for casting out certain demons, highlighting the spiritual preparation required for such acts. Ephesians 6:12 This passage speaks about the spiritual warfare against powers and principalities, underscoring the need for spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Isaiah 58:6 This Old Testament reference to fasting as a means of breaking spiritual bonds connects to the power of fasting in spiritual warfare. Acts 13:2-3 The early church practiced prayer and fasting before making significant decisions, showing the importance of these disciplines in seeking God's guidance and power. People Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter, SimonPlaces Capernaum, Galilee, High MountainTopics Doesn't, Driven, Evil, Except, Fasting, Forth, Howbeit, However, Kind, Prayer, Save, SpiritDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 17:21Library 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 17:21 NIVMatthew 17:21 NLT Matthew 17:21 ESV Matthew 17:21 NASB Matthew 17:21 KJV Matthew 17:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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