SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:14-21
A man approached Jesus and asked him to heal his son who often has seizures and falls into fires or water. The disciples could not heal him. Jesus rebuked the demon, which left the boy and healed the boy. Jesus rebuked his disciples for being unbelieving.
The disciples later asked Jesus why they couldn’t heal the boy (even though earlier they had been granted healing powers). Jesus told them it was because they had so little faith. All they need is faith as small as a mustard seed, and nothing will be impossible.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 4: Matthew 17:14-21
9a) The boy’s father knelt before Jesus, showing he respected who he was. He called Jesus “Lord” and asked for mercy first.
b) Jesus told them it was because they had so little faith. All they need is faith as small as a mustard seed, and nothing will be impossible. Mark 9:28-29 says the demon would come out only by prayer and fasting.
10a) All you need is faith as small as a mustard seed, and nothing will be impossible.
b) It inspires me to have more faith that things I want and desire in this world is possible if I have faith — even just little faith.
11) The little faith is you just don’t believe enough. Small faith is you believe with the right heart, and it will grow. Our faith depends on what kind of faith, not how much we have.
12a) Everything. My move. My desire to live in a new place. For God to make that happen one way or another
b) Have more faith that God will move.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 4: Matthew 17:14-21
Great lesson on faith. It’s encouraging that it’s simple and we overcomplicate it.
Great read!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 4: Matthew 17:14-21
This demon worked by causing seizures in the boy. We learn the severity of this demon in Mark 9:14-29 where the boy was made deaf and dumb. The boy was “moonstruck” according to translations of the verb used.
The disciples were given the authority to cast out demons (Matthew 10:8), but this one they could not cast out. There are ranks of demonic powers as we learn in (Ephesians 6:12), and this one was particularly stubborn.
Jesus is a bit frustrated here with the faith of his disciples. Each day brings Jesus closer to his death, so he is probably feeling the pressure now to ensure his disciples are prepared for when he is gone.
Note Jesus easily defeats this demon. He is King.
The question here is: what is your faith in?
Prayer and fasting show you are earnest in your faith and belief.
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