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Matthew 17:20
Verse
Context
The Power of Faith
19Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief,.... The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "because of your little faith", or "the smallness of your faith"; and so does one Greek manuscript; and which is what is doubtless meant by their unbelief; for they were not altogether destitute of faith, but their faith was very low, and their unbelief very great. Christ says, not because of the unbelief of the parent of the child, and those that were with him, though that also was a reason; but because of their unbelief, being willing to convince them of their unbelief, as he had done the father of the child, who had confessed it, and desired it might be removed from him: but lest they should think they had lost their power of doing miracles, Christ adds; for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed; which was a very small seed, the least of all seeds, and is used very often proverbially by the Jews, to signify anything of a small quantity or weight (b), and is sometimes used of faith, as here; so speaking of the congregation of Edom, meaning the Christians, they (c) say, "they have not , "faith as a grain of mustard seed".'' And it is used in like sense in other eastern nations; and by Mahomet in his Alcoran (d), who says, "We will appoint just balances in the day of resurrection, neither shall any soul be injured at all, although the merit or guilt of an action be of the weight of "a grain of mustard seed".'' So that it has no reference to the quality of mustard seed, being hot and acrimonious; which has led some interpreters wrong, to compare faith unto it, for its liveliness and fervency: when our Lord only means, that if his apostles had ever so small a degree of faith in exercise, which might be compared for its smallness to this least of seeds, such an effect as he after mentions would follow; and which therefore is to be understood, not of an historical faith, by which men assent to all that is in the Bible as true; nor of a special, spiritual faith, by which souls believe in Christ, as their Saviour and Redeemer; for of neither of these can the following things in common be said; but of a faith of miracles, peculiar to certain persons in those early times, for certain reasons; which such as had but ever so small a degree of, as the apostles here spoken to might say, as Christ observes to them, ye shall say to this mountain; pointing perhaps to that he was just come down from, which might be in sight of the house where he was, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove: meaning, not that it would be ordinarily or ever done in a literal sense by the apostles, that they should remove mountains; but that they should be able to do things equally difficult, and as seemingly impossible, if they had but faith, when the glory of God, and the good of men, required it. So that it does not follow, because the apostles did not do it in a literal sense, therefore they could not, as the Jew insultingly says (e); since it was meant that they should, and besides, have done, things equally as great as this, and which is the sense of the words. So the apostle expresses the faith of miracles, by "removing mountains", Co1 13:2 i.e. by doing things which are difficult, seem impossible to be done: wherefore Christ adds, and nothing shall be impossible to you; you shall not only be able to perform such a wonderful action as this, were it necessary, but any, and everything else, that will make for the glory of God, the enlargement of my kingdom and interest, the confirmation of truth, and the good of mankind. (b) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3l. 1. Megilla, fol. 28. 2. Nidda, fol. 66. 1. Maimon. lssure Biah, c. 11. sect. 4. Maacolot Asurot, c. 2. sect. 21. &c. 14. sect. 8. Tumaot Okelim, c. 4. sect. 2. & 7. 6. (c) Vet. Nizzachon, p. 148. (d) C. 21. p. 268. & c. 31. p. 336. Ed. Sale. (e) Vet. Nizzachon, p. 237.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:20 Here, the expression don’t have enough faith is virtually synonymous with no faith. • faith even as small as a mustard seed: This could mean that if the disciples had even very little faith they would be able to accomplish great things (21:21; cp. 1 Cor 13:2). It could also mean that if they would allow their faith to grow (see Matt 13:31-32), they could act with courageous belief. • Moving mountains is an adage for overcoming obstacles and fulfilling God’s purposes (Isa 40:4; 49:11; 54:10; 1 Cor 13:2).
Matthew 17:20
The Power of Faith
19Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
But Suppose God Doesn't Do It
By Warren Wiersbe18K38:03GodDAN 3:16MAT 9:29MAT 17:20MAT 21:21MRK 9:23LUK 17:6HEB 11:34In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from the fiery furnace. The speaker emphasizes that this story has been a source of encouragement for Jewish people throughout history, particularly during times of persecution. He also emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of a believer, stating that our faith determines the level of life we experience. The sermon concludes by challenging listeners to examine their own faith and where it truly rests.
How This Ministry of Healing Came Into Being
By Kathryn Kuhlman15K27:46MAT 8:23MAT 14:22MAT 17:20MRK 4:35LUK 8:24ACT 10:38HEB 11:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not focusing on the circumstances or problems we face. He reminds the listeners that their faith is not separate from them, but rather it is found in Jesus Christ. The preacher warns against being defeated by focusing on ourselves and encourages the audience to keep their eyes on Jesus. He concludes by suggesting that Jesus may be asking the same question to the listeners, "Where is your faith?" and encourages them to trust in God despite the storms of life.
Coming of the Kingdom
By T. Austin-Sparks5.8K30:45Kingdom Of GodMAT 16:28MAT 17:20MAT 17:27ACT 9:3In this sermon on Matthew 16:28, the preacher emphasizes the overwhelming and humbling nature of encountering the divine truth of Jesus Christ. He highlights the need for believers to approach the presentation of Jesus with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing the greatness and glory of the Savior. The preacher also mentions the transformative experience of Peter, James, and John when they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. He notes Peter's impulsive response and the subsequent affirmation from God that Jesus is His beloved Son. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the stark contrast between the world's values and the spiritual values of the kingdom of God.
Our God Can Fix Anything
By David Wilkerson5.6K52:39ImpossibilitiesJER 32:27MAT 17:20MAT 19:26MRK 9:17LUK 18:27EPH 3:20PHP 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that no matter how far gone someone may seem, they are never too far gone for God to fix. He shares a story of a father who went to great lengths to reach his son who was caught up in a life of addiction and despair. The preacher highlights the father's love and determination to save his son, drawing parallels to God's love for us. He also references the story of Abraham and Sarah, where God asks if anything is too hard for Him, emphasizing that there is nothing beyond God's ability to fix.
Garments of Praise
By Ben Crandall4.2K38:40PSA 100:4PSA 148:1PSA 150:1ISA 61:3MAT 17:20HEB 13:15REV 5:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising God and being clothed with the 'garments of praise' instead of the 'spirit of heaviness.' It highlights how praise lifts faith, reveals God's truth, and leads to victory over problems. The message encourages continuous praise throughout the day and explores the significance of praising God with all creation, from angels to mountains, as a powerful act of worship and declaration of His greatness.
Pt 4 No Way to Greatness but by Death
By Alan Redpath3.8K40:26GreatnessMAT 6:33MAT 13:1MAT 13:24MAT 13:44MAT 17:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of faith as a grain of mustard seed. He references Matthew 17:20, where Jesus tells his disciples that their inability to cast out a devil-possessed child was due to their lack of faith. The speaker emphasizes that mustard seed faith is not a small or insignificant thing, but rather a powerful and mountain-moving faith. He also mentions the parable of the sower and the parable of the tears, highlighting the importance of interpreting these parables to understand the message of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about Chuck Smith's church in California, illustrating the idea that true leadership is measured by a willingness to serve rather than a desire to rule.
Fast for Prayer in the Square – Day 1
By Carter Conlon3.2K1:06:06FastingMAT 17:1MAT 17:14MAT 17:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the church and its lack of impact on society. He highlights the increasing immorality and confusion that young people are being led into. The speaker emphasizes the cry for help from widows, young mothers, and others who are desperate for someone to intervene and bring change. He identifies three reasons why the disciples in the Bible were unable to make a difference in their generation: lack of confidence, lack of earnest seeking of God, and lack of proper motives. The speaker encourages the audience to have faith, compassion, and pure motives in order to bring about transformation in their generation.
Apostleship - Part 4
By Norman Grubb2.7K09:50ApostleshipJOS 1:9JOS 3:2ZEC 4:6MAT 17:20MAT 21:21MRK 11:23LUK 17:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of having faith in God and how it relates to overcoming obstacles. The sermon references Joshua's command to cross the river and conquer the Promised Land as an example of having faith in God's promises. The speaker emphasizes the importance of filling in the "blank check" that God gives us with our desires and trusting that He will provide. The sermon also mentions the speaker's own experiences of seeing God's provision and the growth of their mission over the years.
Testimony
By Brother Yun2.6K39:39PSA 107:13MAT 17:20JHN 8:36JHN 11:25ACT 16:25ROM 8:372CO 3:172CO 12:9EPH 6:121PE 2:9This sermon features Brother Yun, a Chinese Christian leader who endured persecution, imprisonment, and miraculous interventions by Jesus. Despite challenges, he emphasizes the power of Jesus' love and the impact of prayer and faith in overcoming obstacles. The message highlights the transformational power of Jesus in setting people free from various forms of bondage and bringing healing and salvation to individuals and nations.
The Victory of Faith
By Chuck Smith2.1K38:37VictoryEXO 12:21HAB 1:2HAB 2:4HAB 3:17MAT 17:20HEB 11:1JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and injustices faced in a society filled with gang warfare and corruption in the legal system. The speaker shares a personal experience of being falsely sued for slander and emphasizes the importance of including God in our reasoning and understanding of difficult situations. The sermon highlights the need for faith and trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it. The speaker encourages listeners to commit their ways to the Lord and trust in His perfect will, reminding them that God is in control and will work things out for His glory and their good.
Spiritual Warfare - 1 "The Battle"
By Jim Logan2.0K45:47Spiritual WarfarePSA 10:4PSA 14:1PSA 36:1MAT 16:18MAT 17:20MAT 28:18ACT 15:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a troubled young man who experienced a downward spiral in his life due to the influence of evil spirits. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of the enemy and its impact on our lives. He also highlights the destructive power of pride, which can lead to strife and contention. The sermon concludes with a missionary's story about using the three signs of a wicked person from Proverbs to make wise decisions in lending money.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 5
By W.F. Kumuyi1.9K09:34NUM 14:11NUM 14:36PSA 78:21MAT 17:20MRK 9:23ROM 4:20HEB 3:19HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's great promises and the consequences of unbelief, focusing on the covenant, holiness, fearlessness, and courage of those who trust in God's salvation. It warns against despising God's promises and the dangers of influencing others negatively with doubt and unbelief.
Having Done All to Stand
By Elmer F. Schmelzenbach1.4K58:07Spiritual WarfareMAT 14:29MAT 17:20MRK 5:34MRK 10:51LUK 5:17JHN 11:43EPH 6:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony about the faithfulness of God in providing for his ministry. He talks about receiving financial support from a man named General Budget, who was diligent in knowing where his money was being used. The speaker also mentions facing challenges and feeling lonely, but finding comfort in knowing that he was part of a global family of believers. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and the support he received from fellow Christians during difficult times.
Calling on God - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:13MAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 17:6ROM 10:17ROM 12:22CO 9:8EPH 3:20HEB 11:1HEB 11:6JAS 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of not limiting God with our small expectations and faith. It challenges believers to expand their faith, trust in God's abundance, and not settle for small blessings or limited growth in spiritual life.
Calling on God - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:542KI 2:2MAT 17:201CO 2:5HEB 11:6JAS 2:26This sermon reflects on the impossibility of atheism in light of the faith of great men like Sir Isaac Newton and other scientists who followed the Lord Jesus. It emphasizes the need to grow in faith and not rely on superstitious devotion to earthly leaders, contrasting it with the deep devotion of Elisha to Elijah. The speaker acknowledges his own shortcomings in faith and the importance of supplying faith to those around us.
Moving Your Mountain
By David Wilkerson1.2K45:59MAT 17:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in God and the need to address the hindrance of unbelief, which is likened to a mountain that must be removed through prayer and surrender to God's will. The speaker highlights the significance of pouring out one's heart to God, acknowledging His love, and ultimately trusting in His promises despite challenges and doubts.
Le Renouvellement De Notre Foi Renewing Our Faith
By Miki Hardy7501:34:20JER 32:17MAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 1:37EPH 3:20PHP 4:6This sermon emphasizes the power of faith and the belief that nothing is impossible for God. It encourages listeners to awaken their faith, expect miracles, and trust in God's ability to intervene in every aspect of their lives, including spiritual, physical, and material needs. The message highlights the importance of having a pure heart, adding faith to it, and expecting God to work miracles beyond human understanding.
Go Ye Into All the World
By Gerry Covenhoven75042:06MAT 6:30MAT 14:31MAT 17:20MAT 21:21MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of having little faith, drawing from various passages in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing and applying the teachings of Jesus in our lives. The speaker highlights the commandments given by Jesus to his disciples, including going, teaching, and baptizing. He also emphasizes the need for prayer and the tragic consequences of lacking faith. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to have a strong faith and to actively live out the teachings of Jesus.
The Storm at Sea
By W.F. Anderson72044:03MAT 8:23MAT 9:37MAT 13:1MAT 13:18MAT 17:20MRK 4:26MRK 4:35In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of putting the teachings of Jesus into practice in our daily lives. He emphasizes that our faith will be tested and that we must learn from these tests. The sermon focuses on the connection between the final paragraph of Chapter 4 and the series of miracles in Chapter 5 of the book of Mark. The speaker highlights the disciples' confusion and shock when some people accused Jesus of being controlled by the devil despite witnessing his miracles and compassion. The sermon concludes with the story of Jesus calming a storm, demonstrating his power and asking his disciples why they were afraid.
Foundations
By Victor Choudhrie69134:00MAT 17:20MRK 16:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of power encounters and prayer in church planting, highlighting the need for casting out strongholds through prayer at various levels. It shares powerful testimonies of prayer leading to miraculous transformations and the impact of combining the preaching of the word with signs and wonders. The speaker's personal journey from a medical director to a church planter showcases the transformative power of prayer and spiritual warfare in challenging circumstances.
Why Pray
By John Musser64436:52PrayerPSA 81:10ISA 66:8MAT 17:20MRK 9:23MRK 11:23PHP 4:4HEB 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time with God through prayer and Bible study. He warns that neglecting this time will lead to frustration, discouragement, and insensitivity to spiritual realities. The preacher also highlights the connection between prayer and revival, stating that when God's people engage in extraordinary prayer, revival occurs and souls are saved. He urges the congregation to return to the basics of faith, repent of prayerlessness, and prioritize their relationship with God. The sermon references various biblical passages, including Matthew 26:40, Colossians 3:1, Isaiah 66:8, and Hebrews 4:16, to support the message.
From Faith to Faith - Part 1
By Lance Lambert63959:58GEN 1:2MAT 17:20JHN 10:27ROM 1:16ROM 14:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8COL 1:13HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the foundational truth of the necessity of living, active faith in the Christian life, highlighting the importance of faith as the key to every aspect of life. It delves into the power of God through faith, the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel, and the transformative nature of being in Christ. The speaker urges listeners to cultivate and utilize the mustard seed faith given by God to move mountains and grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord.
Go Therefore - Part 2
By Erlo Stegen60706:12JER 32:27MAT 14:31MAT 17:20MAT 28:17MRK 9:23MRK 11:23LUK 1:37HEB 11:6This sermon delves into the theme of doubt even in the presence of Jesus, exploring why some doubted despite witnessing His miracles and power. It reflects on how doubt can creep in even when faced with undeniable evidence of God's authority and ability. The message emphasizes the importance of fully trusting in Jesus' unlimited power and authority, even in situations that seem impossible or hopeless.
Npg Summer Session 81 Tape 5 - Union Life Women’s Week
By Norman Grubb53838:53ConferenceJOS 1:1ZEC 4:6MAT 17:20MAT 21:21MRK 11:12MRK 11:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses a conversation between God and Joshua in Joshua chapter one. The main message is about being strong and courageous and crossing the land to fulfill God's purpose. The speaker shares a personal story of being called to missionary work in Africa and facing challenges and doubts. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose, dying to oneself, and relying on faith in difficult situations.
I Will Call Upon God
By Carter Conlon50249:57EXO 8:1PSA 55:16MAT 17:20MRK 11:24ACT 1:8ROM 8:26EPH 4:82TI 3:1This sermon from Psalms 55 emphasizes the importance of calling upon God in times of trouble and oppression. It highlights the need for believers to rely on God's strength, joy, and inner power to be witnesses in a dark world. The message encourages believers to pray fervently, trust in God's ability to save, and stand against the works of darkness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief,.... The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "because of your little faith", or "the smallness of your faith"; and so does one Greek manuscript; and which is what is doubtless meant by their unbelief; for they were not altogether destitute of faith, but their faith was very low, and their unbelief very great. Christ says, not because of the unbelief of the parent of the child, and those that were with him, though that also was a reason; but because of their unbelief, being willing to convince them of their unbelief, as he had done the father of the child, who had confessed it, and desired it might be removed from him: but lest they should think they had lost their power of doing miracles, Christ adds; for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed; which was a very small seed, the least of all seeds, and is used very often proverbially by the Jews, to signify anything of a small quantity or weight (b), and is sometimes used of faith, as here; so speaking of the congregation of Edom, meaning the Christians, they (c) say, "they have not , "faith as a grain of mustard seed".'' And it is used in like sense in other eastern nations; and by Mahomet in his Alcoran (d), who says, "We will appoint just balances in the day of resurrection, neither shall any soul be injured at all, although the merit or guilt of an action be of the weight of "a grain of mustard seed".'' So that it has no reference to the quality of mustard seed, being hot and acrimonious; which has led some interpreters wrong, to compare faith unto it, for its liveliness and fervency: when our Lord only means, that if his apostles had ever so small a degree of faith in exercise, which might be compared for its smallness to this least of seeds, such an effect as he after mentions would follow; and which therefore is to be understood, not of an historical faith, by which men assent to all that is in the Bible as true; nor of a special, spiritual faith, by which souls believe in Christ, as their Saviour and Redeemer; for of neither of these can the following things in common be said; but of a faith of miracles, peculiar to certain persons in those early times, for certain reasons; which such as had but ever so small a degree of, as the apostles here spoken to might say, as Christ observes to them, ye shall say to this mountain; pointing perhaps to that he was just come down from, which might be in sight of the house where he was, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove: meaning, not that it would be ordinarily or ever done in a literal sense by the apostles, that they should remove mountains; but that they should be able to do things equally difficult, and as seemingly impossible, if they had but faith, when the glory of God, and the good of men, required it. So that it does not follow, because the apostles did not do it in a literal sense, therefore they could not, as the Jew insultingly says (e); since it was meant that they should, and besides, have done, things equally as great as this, and which is the sense of the words. So the apostle expresses the faith of miracles, by "removing mountains", Co1 13:2 i.e. by doing things which are difficult, seem impossible to be done: wherefore Christ adds, and nothing shall be impossible to you; you shall not only be able to perform such a wonderful action as this, were it necessary, but any, and everything else, that will make for the glory of God, the enlargement of my kingdom and interest, the confirmation of truth, and the good of mankind. (b) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3l. 1. Megilla, fol. 28. 2. Nidda, fol. 66. 1. Maimon. lssure Biah, c. 11. sect. 4. Maacolot Asurot, c. 2. sect. 21. &c. 14. sect. 8. Tumaot Okelim, c. 4. sect. 2. & 7. 6. (c) Vet. Nizzachon, p. 148. (d) C. 21. p. 268. & c. 31. p. 336. Ed. Sale. (e) Vet. Nizzachon, p. 237.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:20 Here, the expression don’t have enough faith is virtually synonymous with no faith. • faith even as small as a mustard seed: This could mean that if the disciples had even very little faith they would be able to accomplish great things (21:21; cp. 1 Cor 13:2). It could also mean that if they would allow their faith to grow (see Matt 13:31-32), they could act with courageous belief. • Moving mountains is an adage for overcoming obstacles and fulfilling God’s purposes (Isa 40:4; 49:11; 54:10; 1 Cor 13:2).