Read Matthew 17:14-20

The last days of Jesus' earthly life are filled with significant events and teachings. During these weeks leading up to Easter, we'll travel with Jesus toward Jerusalem and his crucifixion, marveling at his determination to finally fulfill his destiny as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Read Matthew 17:14-20

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."

"You unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

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."

Reflect

This is a story we often use to let people know that if they just had enough faith, their prayers would be answered. Doesn't it seem that this is what Jesus is saying to the disciples here?

Respond

In Mark's account of this same incident, we learn that Jesus also tells his disciples, "This kind can come out only through prayer." Jesus is not saying here that God will only heal people based on the size of their faith. Instead, he's teaching his bumbling disciples that their power to heal would come only through the kind of faith that pushed them to rely on his power through prayer. If you are in need of healing of any kind, even the tiniest bit of faith is enough to get an audience with your Father. Believe that he hears, and believe enough to pray to him about all your needs.