Matthew__17

Scripture

Matthew 17:20

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will by impossible for you.”

 

Observation

After He transfigures Jesus just heals a demon-possessed boy. After this encounter the disciples ask Him why they couldn’t do it. This verse is Jesus’ response to them. He tells them that faith whether big or small is more powerful than no faith at all. While reminding them that nothing is too great to overcome with faith.

 

Understanding

What mountains have you moved?

Imagine this: you just tried your absolute hardest to help someone in dire need. You do everything you can you pray, you pray some more, you phone a friend, they pray, they pray some more, and then they phone a friend and the cycle continues. You see no result and instead matters seem to be getting worse. Then your main man, Jesus, walks in and instantly solves the problem. You are elated, you’re excited that the issue got solved, but you’re a little sad that you couldn’t be the problem-solver. Because you love learning and growing you ask your main man, Jesus, why you couldn’t do it. Then the worst thing that you could ever imagine happens. Jesus thrashes your faith, He basically tells you that you have none. If that isn’t enough He seems a little (okay a lot) disappointed in you. What’s your next move? How do you recover from a devastating defeat?

I don’t know about you, but I love to learn except I hate to fail. From my short time here on earth, though, I have learned that you learn the absolute best from failing miserably. It is the greatest defeats that really make you reevaluate. I think that’s exactly what Jesus was going for here. I think He purposely shamed His disciples so that they would have a desire to do grow their faith. So what’s my main point in all of this? Put yourself in the disciples shoes for a minute. Evaluate your life and your faith and ask yourself: “What mountains have I moved recently?”

Jesus says that faith the size of a tiny mustard seed moves mountains. So if you aren’t seeing a victory where you want you one, how great is you faith that you will actually overcome it? Another thing I have learned in my short time here on earth, I am and I can do nothing without God. However, believing that alone isn’t enough. It’s encouraging to know that God is always with you, but it is ultimately faith that moves mountains. Meaning, it is being utterly convinced in the cause of Christ, the belief that He moves through you, and the courage to transform that into action that makes mountains move.

 

Life Application

What is your mountain?

Sometimes it is the realization that you have a mountain that you must overcome that helps you grow your faith. So ask yourself: What is holding me back from experiencing the fullness of the potential of my life? What am I too afraid to give to God? Throw that mountain into the midst of the sea. All it takes is faith.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to have faith that is unmatched to any other emotion in this world. Help us to see all we need is you and you alone. May we be bold enough to tell our mountains to move. I believe in You, but more importantly all my faith is in You. Thank You for the stories of victories to come, may we be people that chase after Your heart.

Amen.

-Allison Khan