What does Matthew 17:21 say?

Matthew 17:21 is a verse that has sparked considerable discussion and contemplation within the Christian community. In many modern translations of the Bible, you will find that Matthew 17:21 is either missing or included as a footnote. This is because the verse is not found in some of the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. However, it is present in the King James Version (KJV) and some other translations. The verse reads: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

To understand the significance of this verse, it is essential to look at the context in which it appears. Matthew 17 tells the story of Jesus healing a boy possessed by a demon after His disciples had failed to do so. The disciples asked Jesus privately why they could not cast out the demon, and Jesus responded in verse 20, "Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." In some translations, verse 21 follows this, adding that "this kind" of demon can only be driven out by prayer and fasting.

The inclusion of this verse in some manuscripts and its absence in others has led scholars to debate its originality. The majority of biblical scholars agree that the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew do not include this verse. Consequently, many modern translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) and the English Standard Version (ESV), either omit the verse or place it in a footnote.

Despite the textual uncertainty, the concept of prayer and fasting being powerful spiritual disciplines is well-supported throughout the Bible. In the parallel account found in Mark 9:29, Jesus explicitly says, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." This suggests that the principle behind Matthew 17:21 is consistent with Jesus' teachings in other parts of the Gospels.

Prayer and fasting are seen as means to deepen one's faith and reliance on God. Fasting, in particular, is often associated with humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and intensifying one's spiritual focus. In the Old Testament, fasting is frequently connected with repentance and seeking God's favor, as seen in the stories of Esther (Esther 4:16) and Daniel (Daniel 9:3). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).

The emphasis on prayer and fasting in Matthew 17:21, therefore, aligns with the broader biblical narrative that highlights these practices as means of drawing closer to God and accessing His power. When Jesus mentions that "this kind" of demon can only be expelled through prayer and fasting, He underscores the necessity of spiritual preparedness and dependence on God's strength rather than one's own abilities.

From a pastoral perspective, the lesson to be drawn from Matthew 17:21 is multifaceted. Firstly, it teaches us about the importance of faith. Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' unbelief in verse 20 highlights that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, has the potential to accomplish great things. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God's power and willingness to act.

Secondly, the verse emphasizes the need for spiritual disciplines. Prayer and fasting are not magical formulas but are means of aligning our hearts with God's will and purposes. They help us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God, which is crucial in spiritual warfare. The act of fasting, in particular, is a way of denying oneself and focusing more intently on seeking God. It is a practice that can lead to greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and a deeper experience of God's presence.

Thirdly, this passage serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare. The disciples' inability to cast out the demon illustrates that some spiritual battles require more than just a casual approach. They necessitate a deeper level of spiritual engagement and preparation. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Therefore, being equipped with spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting is vital for facing such battles.

In practical terms, how can Christians apply the lessons of Matthew 17:21 in their lives today? Firstly, it involves cultivating a lifestyle of faith. This means trusting in God's promises and His power to work in and through us. It also means being persistent in prayer, as Jesus taught in Luke 18:1-8, where He shared the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the importance of not giving up in prayer.

Secondly, incorporating fasting into one's spiritual practices can be beneficial. While fasting is not as commonly practiced in some Christian traditions today, it remains a powerful way to seek God's guidance and to humble oneself before Him. Whether it is a partial fast, a complete fast, or fasting from certain activities, the goal is to draw closer to God and to seek His will more earnestly.

Lastly, recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare should lead Christians to be vigilant and prepared. This involves putting on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Being grounded in Scripture and living a life of righteousness and faith are essential in standing firm against the enemy's schemes.

In conclusion, while Matthew 17:21 may not be present in all biblical manuscripts, the principle it conveys is deeply rooted in Scripture. Prayer and fasting are vital spiritual disciplines that enable believers to deepen their faith, align their hearts with God's will, and engage effectively in spiritual warfare. Jesus' teaching in this passage calls us to a higher level of spiritual preparedness and dependence on God, reminding us that some spiritual battles require more than just ordinary measures. By cultivating a lifestyle of faith, incorporating fasting into our spiritual practices, and being vigilant in spiritual warfare, we can experience the fullness of God's power and presence in our lives.