Focal Passage: Matthew 17:14-20
September 2018 I found out that the only option was open heart surgery. I prayed for another way. I asked God to supernaturally fix my heart valve. That was not His plan. I needed the surgery. I wish I could say I didn’t struggle with the question: “Did I have enough faith to be healed?” Like the disciples in Matthew 17:14-20, I faced a moment when my faith felt weak.
In our passage of Scripture today, Jesus had just come down from the mount of Transfiguration. He had an experience with Moses and Elijah that left a mark on his disciples (Matthew 17:1-13). Would that mark last? As they returned to the crowd, a man approached Jesus with a request. He came to Jesus humbly. The man believed Jesus had the power to heal his son, who was overtaken by dangerous seizures.
These were more than just seizures; he was possessed by a demon. The father knew the only one who could heal him was Jesus. He admits there is a spiritual component to what was happening. He even went to the disciples first, knowing they had been with Jesus, but they weren’t able to help.
We need to realize we are constantly in a spiritual battle. We are helpless without Jesus. We need his power in all situations.
Brandon Johns
In verses 17-18, Jesus responds to the man’s request, but the response was directed more toward the disciples. His frustration with their unbelief was clear. They had followed him for a while now. They witnessed him heal the sick, calm the storm, even drive out demons. Yet they still did not believe. Is that us? How quickly do we forget what the Lord has done for us?
Even in his frustration, Jesus still healed the boy. He rebuked the demon, and the demon came out. We can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has authority over sins, over demons, and over our lives.
Verses 19-20 tell of the disciples sheepishly going to Jesus privately and asking why they could not cast out the demons. Jesus points out their little faith. They need more trust in him. He explains that even faith the size of a mustard seed will accomplish great things.
I used to think of mustard seed faith only in terms of size. I just needed a little bit of faith to accomplish what God wanted me to. A mustard seed only grows when planted in the ground. It needs nutrients from the soil. My faith cannot grow unless it is planted in the Word of God that provides the nutrients for my spiritual growth. A growing faith embedded in the Word of God can move mountains. God’s action through the vehicle of our faith can do the impossible. Do you believe that? May we live in the power of a God who wants to act. Our faith brings glory to the Lord.
What are you praying for in faith right now? Who are you asking God to save? What specific need are you asking God to meet in your life? Your family’s life? Trust the Lord to do what only He can do – the impossible! B&R
Editor’s Note: Brandon Johns is writing the Bible Studies for Life commentaries for this quarter, beginning with the above lesson. He is replacing Kevin Shrum, who rotates off this quarter.
