Matthew 17: 14-21 Little Faith

A distraught father had brought his demon-possessed son to the other nine disciples while Jesus and the three were on the mountaintop.  Those other disciples weren't able to cast out the demon and heal the boy.  The father rushed to Jesus' feet as He returned.

"Our Lord's first response was one of sorrow ... He groaned inwardly and said, 'How long shall I be with you, and put up with you?'" my commentary said.  If He said that about those closest to Him, then what must He think of us today?

Jesus had given His disciples the power to cast out demons, and He told them their failure was due to their lack of faith (Matt. 17:20), their lack of prayer (Mark 9:20), and their lack of discipline (Matt. 17:21).  Those who'd not seen the Transfiguration were perhaps jealous.  Maybe the'd grown self-indulgent and neglected prayer, weakening their faith, my commentary suggested.

"Faith as a grain of mustard seed suggests not only size (God will honor even a little faith), but also life and growth.  Faith like a mustard seed is living faith that is nurtured and caused to grow.  Faith must be cultivated so that it grows and does even greater exploits for God.  Had the nine disciples been praying, disciplining themselves, and meditating on the Word, they would have been able to cast out the demon and rescue the boy," it concluded.

Father, grow and nurture my living faith.  Cultivate it and show me what You have for me to do.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford