Matthew 17:20 - Faith That Moves Mountains
Exploring Jesus' teaching about mustard seed faith and its power to accomplish the impossible through God
Introduction
Matthew 17:20 contains one of Jesus' most memorable and often-quoted teachings: "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." This striking image has inspired believers for centuries while also raising questions about the nature of faith, the limits of divine power, and the reality of unanswered prayers.
This study examines the context, meaning, and application of Jesus' teaching on mustard seed faith. We explore what Jesus meant by "moving mountains," how small faith can accomplish great things, and what this means for believers facing seemingly impossible challenges today.
The Biblical Text: Matthew 17:14-21
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."
— Matthew 17:19-20 (ESV)This passage follows the disciples' failure to cast out a demon from a boy. Despite having previously been given authority over demons (Matthew 10:1), they found themselves powerless in this situation. Jesus' response about mustard seed faith was not abstract teaching but practical diagnosis of their spiritual condition.
Understanding Mustard Seed Faith
The Mustard Seed Illustration
Mustard Seed
Tiny but alive
Grows
Develops into plant
Large Result
Becomes tree-like
"It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree." — Matthew 13:32
What Jesus Meant
The mustard seed was proverbial in Jewish culture for its tiny size. Jesus wasn't teaching that faith itself has power based on its quantity, but that even the smallest genuine faith, when placed in an all-powerful God, can accomplish extraordinary things. The power lies not in the faith itself but in the object of faith—God Himself.
Quality Over Quantity
Many believers struggle with feeling their faith is too weak. Jesus' teaching offers profound encouragement: it's not the size of faith that matters but its authenticity. A small amount of genuine faith in God is more powerful than great confidence in human ability. The disciples' problem wasn't complete lack of faith but "little faith" (Greek: oligopistian)—faith mixed with doubt and self-reliance.
What Does "Moving Mountains" Mean?
Types of Mountains Believers Face
Spiritual Obstacles
Demonic oppression, spiritual bondage
Personal Struggles
Addiction, depression, broken relationships
Health Challenges
Illness, disability, chronic pain
Financial Burdens
Debt, poverty, lack of resources
Family Issues
Prodigal children, marriage crisis
Ministry Challenges
Evangelism, church planting, revival
Hyperbole and Spiritual Truth
Jesus frequently used hyperbole (deliberate exaggeration) to make spiritual points memorable and impactful. The image of moving a physical mountain was not meant to be taken literally but illustrates overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. In Jewish rabbinic tradition, a teacher who could solve difficult problems was sometimes called a "mountain mover."
Biblical Examples of Mountain-Moving Faith
Scripture records numerous instances where God accomplished the impossible through faithful individuals: Moses parting the Red Sea, Joshua bringing down Jericho's walls, Elijah calling down fire from heaven, the early church's explosive growth despite persecution. These weren't results of perfect faith but of God working through imperfect people who trusted Him.
Principles for Exercising Faith
Key Principles from Jesus' Teaching
- Faith Must Be in God: The power comes from God, not from the act of believing itself. Faith is the channel, not the source.
- Small Faith Is Sufficient: Don't wait until you feel more confident. Start with the faith you have, however small.
- Faith Requires Action: The disciples had to attempt casting out the demon. Faith without corresponding action is dead (James 2:17).
- Prayer Strengthens Faith: Some demons (mountains) require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21 in some manuscripts). Spiritual disciplines deepen faith.
- Faith Aligns with God's Will: "Nothing will be impossible" operates within God's sovereign will. We ask according to His purposes (1 John 5:14).
- Doubt Hinders Faith: Jesus identified "little faith" as the disciples' problem. Doubt doesn't destroy faith but weakens its effectiveness.
Why Some Prayers Go Unanswered
James 4:3 identifies one reason: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." Unanswered prayer may result from wrong motives, unconfessed sin, lack of faith, or simply God's wiser plan. The "mountain-moving" promise isn't a blank check for personal desires but assurance that God will accomplish His purposes through those who trust Him.
Common Misunderstandings About This Passage
- ❌ Faith is a force we control — ✅ Faith is trust in God who remains sovereign
- ❌ More faith guarantees results — ✅ God answers according to His will, not our faith quantity
- ❌ Unanswered prayer means weak faith — ✅ God may have different plans or timing
- ❌ We command God to act — ✅ We pray in submission to God's wisdom
- ❌ Mountains always move immediately — ✅ God's timing may differ from our expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 17:20 mean?
Matthew 17:20 records Jesus teaching that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This means even small, genuine faith in God can accomplish seemingly impossible things. The emphasis is not on the size of faith but on the object of faith—God Himself.
What is mustard seed faith?
Mustard seed faith refers to faith that is small but genuine, like a mustard seed which was one of the smallest seeds known in Jesus' time. Despite its tiny size, a mustard seed grows into a large plant, illustrating how small faith can produce great results through God's power.
Can faith really move mountains?
Jesus' statement about moving mountains uses hyperbolic language common in Jewish teaching to illustrate spiritual truth. The "mountain" represents impossible obstacles. Through faith in God, believers can overcome challenges that seem insurmountable, though this is always according to God's will.
Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon?
Jesus identified their "little faith" as the problem. They had previously cast out demons successfully, but this case required deeper dependence on God through prayer. Their past success may have led to self-reliance rather than continued trust in God's power.
Does this mean I can have anything I ask for?
No, the promise operates within God's sovereign will. 1 John 5:14 clarifies: "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." God answers prayers that align with His purposes, not merely our desires. Faith trusts God's wisdom even when He says "no" or "wait."
How can I grow my faith?
Faith grows through: reading Scripture (Romans 10:17), prayer and fasting, remembering God's past faithfulness, fellowship with other believers, stepping out in obedience despite fear, and worship. Like any relationship, trust in God deepens through consistent interaction and experience.
Scholarly References
- Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew. Expositor's Bible Commentary. Zondervan.
- France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans.
- Hagner, D. A. (1995). Matthew 14-28. Word Biblical Commentary. Word Books.
- Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel According to Matthew. Eerdmans.
- Blomberg, C. L. (1992). Matthew. New American Commentary. B&H Publishing.
- Wilkins, M. J. (2004). Matthew. NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan.