Scripture Matthew 17:17,20

Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and corrupt generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me!”

He told them, “Because you have so little faith. I can guarantee this truth: If your faith is 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.”

Observation

A man came up to Jesus, knelt in front of him, and said, “Sir, have mercy on my son. He suffers from seizures. Often he falls into fire or water. I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t cure him.”

“You unbelieving and corrupt generation! How long must I put up with you?” I think Jesus might have sighed, perhaps even a long sigh. He sounds upset... or at least very disappointed.

Was He upset with the man? Likely not, after all he didn’t give up, but found Jesus, still believing, still seeking healing for his son. He may have been upset with some in the crowd, following to perhaps see a miracle or two, but not believing.

His disappointment was with His disciples. Despite all they had seen and experienced, despite the authority Jesus had given them to heal, they had so little faith, falling short of Jesus’ expectations. They didn’t even have the tiniest faith, like a mustard seed.

Application

In light of current circumstances in our world, what is Jesus saying to my generation? Unbelieving. Corrupt. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

What’s He saying to His disciples today, to me? You have so little faith. It still applies.

But His admonition closes with great encouragement: I can guarantee this truth: If your faith is 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.”

Awesome. and guaranteed by Him who was there when the universe came to be, merely by His words.

Prayer

Lord, in face of needs all around me, I believe, help my unbelief. Help me to speak Your truth into situations that cross my path, that the mountains people face would be moved by Your power.

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