The words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20 offer a profound insight into the nature and power of faith: “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.’” This verse, often quoted, can sometimes be misunderstood. Let’s explore its meaning through a Q&A format to grasp the true depth of what Jesus was teaching about faith as small as a mustard seed.
Q1: What is the context of Matthew 17:20?
A1: The statement in Matthew 17:20 comes after Jesus’ disciples failed to cast out a demon from a boy. They were perplexed, asking Jesus why they couldn’t do it. Jesus’ response directly addresses their lack of faith, using the vivid imagery of a mustard seed and a mountain to illustrate the principle of effective faith. It’s a teaching moment about the quality and object of faith, rather than its quantity. The disciples had some faith, but not enough to tap into God’s power in that specific situation. Read more about the healing miracles of Jesus.
Q2: Why does Jesus mention a “mustard seed” in Matthew 17:20?
A2: The mustard seed was well-known in ancient Israel as one of the smallest seeds, yet it grows into a surprisingly large plant or even a tree (Matthew 13:31-32). Jesus uses this analogy not to suggest that we need only a tiny amount of faith, but rather that even a faith that starts small but is genuine and vital, has immense potential for growth and impact. It emphasizes the nature of faith—a living, growing, dynamic trust—rather than a measurable quantity. It implies that genuine faith, no matter how humble its beginning, has the inherent power to produce extraordinary results when placed in God. It’s about where your faith is placed, not how much you feel you have.
Q3: What does “moving mountains” signify in Matthew 17:20?
A3: The phrase “you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move” is a hyperbolic expression, a common teaching tool used by Jesus to convey an extraordinary truth. It doesn’t mean believers will literally command geographical mountains to relocate, though God is certainly capable of such things. Instead, “moving mountains” symbolizes overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, tackling impossible challenges, or achieving what is humanly unattainable. It speaks to the power of God, accessed through faith, to remove barriers in our lives, ministries, or circumstances that appear too great for human effort. It’s about God working through our faith to accomplish His will in powerful ways.
Q4: What does “Nothing will be impossible for you” truly mean?
A4: This powerful concluding statement in Matthew 17:20 is not a blank check for believers to achieve any personal desire or whim. It must be understood within the context of God’s will and purpose. When our faith is directed towards God and aligned with His will, then indeed, nothing is impossible in terms of fulfilling His kingdom agenda. This promise assures us that God’s power, when activated by genuine faith, can overcome all obstacles that stand in the way of His divine plan. It means that when we seek to do God’s will, and we trust Him completely, He will provide the means and power to accomplish it, even if it seems humanly impossible. It’s a promise of divine enablement for divine purposes, not a guarantee of every personal wish. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
In essence, Matthew 17:20 teaches us that the effectiveness of our faith lies not in its size, but in its authenticity and its object—God Himself. Even a small, genuine faith, when firmly placed in the Almighty, can unleash God’s incredible power to overcome the greatest difficulties in our lives, enabling us to participate in His extraordinary work. Read more about the power of prayer.