Matthew 17:20 meaning
In times of doubt and uncertainty, faith can sometimes feel elusive. However, Jesus teaches that even a minuscule amount of genuine faith can produce remarkable results. This passage illustrates the disciples' struggle with faith amid challenging circumstances, particularly when they were unable to cast out a powerful demon. Their doubt led to their ineffectiveness in a moment when they were called to act on the authority Jesus had bestowed upon them.
The significance of faith is underscored here, as Jesus highlights that even a faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, a metaphor for overcoming formidable obstacles. The context indicates that faith should not merely be passive; it requires full reliance on God’s power. This scripture serves as a potent reminder that true faith is not defined by its size, but by its object—the unwavering trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises and perform the impossible on our behalf, as seen in Matthew 17:20. This theme resonates strongly with the idea that trusting in God's power can bring about changes in our lives that seem impossible.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 17:19-21 meaning. The disciples approach Jesus to ask Him about why they were unable to cast the demon out of the man’s son. Jesus tells them that it was because of their unbelief. He then tells them that if they have faith of a mustard seed they would be able to tell mountains to move and they would move.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Proverbs 31:23-26 meaning. The virtue of the excellent wife impacts her husband. She is clothed in honor and speaks with the wisdom central to the overall message of Proverbs.
- Matthew 28:19-20 meaning. The Great Commission (continued) Jesus commissions and commands His disciples to make more disciples of all nations. They are to accomplish this by going to the nations, baptizing new disciples in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and by teaching new disciples to do the things Jesus commanded them. The Great Commission ends with Jesus promising to be with them until His return.
- Acts 16:16-24 meaning. There is a slave-girl in Philippi who is demon-possessed. The owners of the girl make money off of her possession, because the demon in her speaks fortunes. She follows Paul and his team, shouting that they serve God and preach about how to be saved. The possessed slave does this for multiple days, until Paul, fed up, casts the demon out of her. The girl’s masters are outraged at the damage this will do to their income. They drag Paul and Silas to the chief magistrates of the city. These men accuse Paul and Silas of teaching the Roman populace to do things that are against Roman law. Egged on by the crowd, the magistrates have Paul and Silas stripped, beaten, and imprisoned.