““Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith 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.””
In plain words: Jesus says you don't need a lot of faith. Even a tiny bit of trust in God is enough, because nothing is too big for Him.
What Matthew 17:20 means.
Jesus isn’t measuring the size of your faith but where it’s placed. A small faith in a great God moves mountains.
Common questions about Matthew 17:20
What does a mustard seed have to do with faith?
A mustard seed is one of the tiniest seeds a farmer could plant. Jesus uses it to show that the point is not how much faith you have. The point is who your faith is in. Faith simply means trusting someone. A small trust in a mighty God is worth more than a big trust in something weak. Right before this, Jesus' close friends had failed to help a suffering boy. Jesus turned their eyes away from their own strength and back to God's power.
Apply it today: Name one thing you have trusted to make you feel safe, and ask yourself what it would look like to trust God with it instead.
Does this mean I can really move a mountain?
Jesus is painting a picture. In His day, moving a mountain meant doing something that looked impossible. He is saying that no problem is too big for God, so bring your biggest ones to Him. This is not a magic trick for getting whatever we want. Scripture also says we pray trusting God's will (1 John 5:14). And when an answer doesn't come the way you hoped, it does not mean your faith failed. Jesus Himself prayed in deep pain and trusted His Father (Matthew 26:39).
Apply it today: Pray today about one hard thing, and tell God you trust Him with how it turns out.
What if my faith feels tiny or full of doubt?
Then this verse is for you. Jesus says a seed-sized faith counts. In Mark 9:24, a father told Jesus he believed but needed help with his doubts, and Jesus did not turn him away. Faith grows as you get to know Jesus better. Romans 10:17 says it grows as we hear the message about Christ. You don't have to feel strong or sure. You can start by being honest with Him about where you are.
Apply it today: Read Mark 9:14-29 and notice how Jesus treats the father who admits his doubt.
Ask anything about it.
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Live it today.
Pray today about the thing that feels impossible, and name it out loud.
Pray it back.
Jesus, my faith may be small, but You are great. Move this mountain.
Carry it all day.
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One verse every morning at 7 a.m. your time. Leave any time.