Matthew 17:14-21, NKJV
After Jesus’ disciples failed to heal a father’s son of epilepsy, the father came to Jesus. Jesus reprimanded His disciples, calling them a faithless and perverse generation. After all, He had given them power “over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease” (10:1). Then He commanded them to bring the child to Him.
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy; he was healed right then (v.18). The demon did not know who the disciples were, but it knew who Jesus was. We cannot do anything unless Jesus abides in us and we in Him. That personal relationship is necessary; it is through faith in Christ that believers get power to produce fruit. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, asking why they could not cast out the demon (v.19). Jesus told them it was because of their unbelief; if they had faith as a mustard seed, they could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you (v.20). However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (v.21). Sometimes, Children of God, we’ve got to pray and fast.
Jesus declared that if the disciples only had mustard seed faith, they could speak and cast out the demon, and nothing will be impossible. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Jesus said that this demon goes out only by prayer and fasting. Pray and fast. Have faith in God or be powerless.
Give God glory!