12/01/2025 - Zeke Murley

Context

• After witnessing Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John return to a scene of need and failure (Matthew 17:1-13).
• A desperate father seeks help for his son, but the disciples are unable to heal him (Matthew 17:14-20).
• Despite their earlier success in healing and casting out demons (Matthew 10:1), they face a spiritual roadblock.

Key Questions

1. Why did the disciples fail when they had been given authority?
2. What does Jesus’ frustration teach us about faith?

Reflection Points

1. When We Say “I Can’t” (v. 16)

• The disciples’ inability mirrors moments when we lose faith and stop praying for breakthroughs.
• Challenge: Is “I can’t” becoming “I won’t”? Are we limiting God by our doubt?

1. Faith Like an Atheist (v. 17)

• Jesus rebukes a “faithless generation,” equating a lack of faith to disbelief.
• Reflection: Do we truly believe God can move mountains, or do we let fear stop us from praying boldly?

1. The Tension of Faith and Healing

• God doesn’t always heal everyone, but our role is to pray and trust His will.
• Question: Are we a church that seeks God’s presence like a starving man seeks food?

Faith as a Mustard Seed (v. 20)

• Misunderstood Faith: It’s not about how much faith we have but about who our faith is in.
• The Seed’s Design: Faith connected to God grows and fulfills its purpose, just as a mustard seed becomes a tree.
• Challenge: Shift from “I can’t” to “I can through Christ.”

Final Reflection

• Faith isn’t about size or quantity but connection to God, the source of all miracles.
• Prayer Challenge: What would it look like for you to boldly pray, “God, do it again”?