Matthew 17:19 - Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”

Generated Verse: Matthew 17:19

What does "Matthew 17:19" mean?


This verse, Matthew 17:19, is a direct question from the disciples to Jesus after they failed to cast out a demon from a young boy. It reveals a moment of confusion and perhaps even embarrassment on their part. Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:

Disciples' Authority: Jesus had previously given his disciples the authority to cast out demons (Matthew 10:1). They had successfully done so on previous occasions. This is why their failure in this instance is so perplexing to them.
Question of Power: Their question is essentially asking, "What went wrong? We've done this before, so why couldn't we do it this time?" They are trying to understand the source of their power and why it seemed to be absent in this particular situation.
Desire to Learn: The fact that they ask Jesus privately shows that they are sincerely seeking understanding. They aren't trying to show off or question Jesus publicly, but genuinely want to learn from their mistake.
Implied Lack of Understanding: The question highlights that the disciples don't fully understand the nature of their authority. They seem to believe it is something they inherently possess, rather than a power that comes from their relationship with Jesus and their faith in God.
Context of the Story: It's important to consider the broader context of the story in Matthew 17:14-20. A father brings his demon-possessed son to the disciples, who are unable to heal him. Jesus then arrives and casts out the demon immediately. This highlights the disciples' limitations and Jesus' supreme authority.
Faith as a Key: In Jesus' response (Matthew 17:20), he attributes their failure to their "little faith." This suggests that their faith wasn't strong enough to accomplish the task at hand. The verse emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God's power.

In essence, Matthew 17:19 is a pivotal verse that shows the disciples' humility, their desire to learn, and their incomplete understanding of the power they had been given. It sets the stage for Jesus to teach them about the importance of faith in overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.