What is the meaning of Matthew 17:20?

Matthew 17:20 is a verse that has intrigued and inspired Christians for centuries. The verse reads, "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 be impossible for you.'" (NIV). This powerful statement by Jesus encapsulates the essence of faith and its transformative potential.

To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider the context in which it was spoken. In Matthew 17, Jesus had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John. They encountered a man whose son was possessed by a demon. The disciples had tried to cast out the demon but had failed. When Jesus successfully expelled the demon, the disciples asked Him privately why they had been unable to do so. Jesus' response was direct and profound: their lack of faith was the issue.

The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds known in the ancient world, yet it grows into a large plant. By using this metaphor, Jesus emphasized that even a tiny amount of genuine faith can lead to extraordinary results. The "mountain" in this context symbolizes insurmountable challenges or obstacles. Jesus was not necessarily speaking about literal mountains but rather about the seemingly impossible tasks and difficulties that believers might face.

Faith, as described in the Bible, is not just intellectual assent but trust and reliance on God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith involves a deep trust in God's power and promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

The disciples' failure to heal the boy was a result of their insufficient faith. They may have been relying on their own abilities or doubting their authority given by Jesus. Jesus' statement underscores that faith is not about the quantity but the quality. Even a small, sincere faith placed in an omnipotent God can accomplish great things.

This teaching is consistent with other parts of the New Testament. In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Here again, the emphasis is on the power of faith and the importance of believing without doubting.

The concept of faith moving mountains also aligns with the broader biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of God working through individuals who demonstrated faith. Abraham believed God's promise despite his old age and the barrenness of Sarah (Genesis 15:6). Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, trusting in God's deliverance despite the formidable Egyptian army (Exodus 14). Joshua and Caleb showed faith in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan, even when the other spies were fearful (Numbers 14:6-9).

Christian literature and theology have also explored the depth of this verse. C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses faith as a virtue that grows through practice. He likens it to a muscle that strengthens through use. Similarly, in "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasizes that true faith involves obedience and trust in God's commands, even when they seem impossible.

Matthew 17:20 challenges believers to examine the authenticity and depth of their faith. It calls for a faith that goes beyond mere words and intellectual agreement to a dynamic and living trust in God's power. This kind of faith is not self-generated but is a gift from God, nurtured through a relationship with Him.

Moreover, this verse invites believers to align their will with God's will. Moving mountains is not about pursuing personal ambitions but about participating in God's redemptive work. When our desires and prayers are in harmony with God's purposes, we can be confident that He will act. Jesus Himself demonstrated this alignment in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).

In practical terms, living out the faith described in Matthew 17:20 involves several key elements. Firstly, it requires a deep and abiding relationship with God through prayer and the study of His Word. Faith grows as we spend time with God and understand His character and promises. Secondly, it involves stepping out in obedience, even when the path seems uncertain. Faith is often tested and strengthened in the crucible of challenges and trials. Lastly, it calls for a community of believers who encourage and support one another in the journey of faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

Matthew 17:20 is a powerful reminder of the potential of even the smallest amount of faith when placed in an all-powerful God. It challenges us to trust in God's ability to work through us to accomplish His purposes. As we cultivate a genuine and growing faith, we can witness God's transformative power in our lives and the world around us.