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Matthew 17:20 (BSB)
“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.”
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““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.”” — Matthew 17:20
Imagine standing on a hillside, looking at a massive mountain. Now, picture being told that if you have faith, even as tiny as a mustard seed, you could command that mountain to move! That’s the essence of this moment. It’s not about the size of your belief but the power behind it. This verse is a powerful reminder that even the smallest amount of genuine faith can unlock incredible possibilities. It’s like having a little spark that can ignite a huge fire. You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to believe that something bigger is possible.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples. He was a tax collector before following Jesus, which means he really understood the struggles of everyday people. Matthew included this detail to show how accessible faith can be. He wanted everyone to know that you don’t need to have superhuman faith to make a difference—just a little bit can go a long way! His perspective was shaped by his own journey from doubt to belief, making this message personal and relatable.
This was happening in a time when people were looking for hope and answers. The Roman Empire was in control, and life was tough for many. Jesus was a breath of fresh air, offering a new way of thinking about faith and possibility. It’s important to understand that this message of moving mountains came in a context of struggle, where people felt powerless. This was a time of great expectation for a Messiah, and Jesus was redefining what that meant—not through political power but through faith and belief in the impossible.
This verse matters for you today because we all face mountains in our lives—challenges, fears, and doubts that feel insurmountable. When Jesus talks about faith like a mustard seed, He’s inviting you to look at your struggles differently. You don't have to have giant faith; you just need to believe that change is possible. This verse speaks to your everyday experiences, reminding you that with even a little faith, you can tackle life’s big challenges. It’s about empowerment and hope, encouraging you to take that first step, no matter how small.
This week, think of one area in your life that feels like a mountain—maybe it’s a personal challenge, a relationship, or a goal you’ve been hesitant to pursue. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, take a small step forward. It could be as simple as writing down your thoughts, having a conversation with someone, or even just taking a moment to pray or reflect. Remember, it’s not about the size of your action but the faith behind it. Believe that change is possible, and act on that belief even in small ways.
In this chapter, there's a lot going on! Just before this moment, Jesus had come down from a mountain where He revealed His true glory to some of His closest friends. When He returns, He encounters a frustrated father whose son is suffering and the disciples can’t help him. Jesus is addressing the disciples' doubts after they failed to heal the boy. This verse is a turning point—Jesus is teaching them (and us) that faith, even in small amounts, can lead to monumental changes. It highlights the contrast between their lack of faith and the immense potential that faith can unleash. It’s a moment filled with urgency and hope, pushing the narrative forward into deeper understanding and action.
What is one 'mountain' in your life that you feel you need to address, and how can you start believing in the possibility of change, even with just a little faith?
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