Matthew 17:20

Context of Matthew 17:20

This powerful declaration by Jesus came immediately after His disciples had failed to cast out a demon from a boy who was suffering greatly. When they privately asked Jesus why they could not succeed, He directly attributed their impotence to their "unbelief." This highlights that spiritual power is not merely a matter of technique or authority, but fundamentally connected to the depth of one's faith.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Power of Faith: Jesus emphasizes that even a tiny amount of genuine faith, likened to the incredibly small grain of mustard seed, possesses immense potential. It's not the quantity of faith, but its quality and object (God) that matters.
• Overcoming the Impossible: The command to "say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place" is a vivid metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles or challenges. It signifies that with God, through faith, no problem or task is too great to be accomplished.
• The Hindrance of Unbelief: The primary reason for their failure was identified as "unbelief." This isn't just a lack of belief, but an active distrust or doubt in God's power and willingness to act. Unbelief limits not God, but our ability to receive and participate in His power.
• Divine Partnership: This verse underscores the principle that human faith is the channel through which God's omnipotence operates in the world. When we align our faith with God's will, His power becomes available to us, making "nothing... impossible."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "unbelief" is apistia (ἀπιστία), which denotes a state of distrust, lack of faith, or faithlessness. It goes beyond mere intellectual assent, pointing to a heart condition that doesn't fully rely on God. The "mustard seed" (Greek: kokkos sinapēōs) was proverbial in the ancient Near East for its minute size, yet it grows into a large plant, symbolizing great potential from humble beginnings. The "mountain" (Greek: oros) is used metaphorically for any great difficulty or impediment.

Related Scriptures

• Mark 11:23 and Luke 17:6 offer parallel accounts and similar teachings on the power of faith, reinforcing this vital message.
• The idea that "nothing shall be impossible unto you" echoes other biblical promises about God's boundless power when we trust Him, such as Jeremiah 32:27 ("Is anything too hard for me, saith the Lord?") and Luke 1:37 ("For with God nothing shall be impossible").

Practical Application

Matthew 17:20 serves as a profound encouragement for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own faith, especially when faced with daunting challenges or spiritual stagnation. Instead of focusing on the size of our problems, Jesus directs us to the immense power available through even a tiny, authentic faith in God. This verse calls us to:

• Cultivate Faith: Understand that faith is not just a feeling, but a choice to trust God's character and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.
• Confront Unbelief: Identify areas of doubt or distrust in our lives and actively work to overcome them through prayer, studying God's Word, and seeking His presence.
• Pray Boldly: Approach God with confidence, believing that He is able to do far beyond what we can ask or imagine, and that He desires to work through our faith to accomplish His purposes.
• Address Obstacles: Recognize that the "mountains" in our lives – be they personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual strongholds – can be moved by the power of God activated through our faith.