Click Here - Matthew 17:14-21.
This is an interesting narrative in an even more interesting place in Matthew’s narrative. Remember the importance of context when reading a passage. In the last chapter and a half, the disciples (mainly Peter) tried to deny Jesus’ purpose, equated Him with Moses and Elijah, were told by the Father’s voice to “Listen to Him (Jesus),” and had to have it explained to them that John the Baptist was the ‘Elijah’ that was coming.
And now they were unable to cast out a demon from a child. And Jesus points to their inability as resulting from a lack of faith. This text points out the disciples’ (and ours) spiritual struggles with our faith, as contrasted with Jesus’ utter faithfulness.
We can’t cast out demons. We can’t heal a blind man. We can’t save ourselves. The only one who can is the only one who was faithful to His mission, Jesus. It is only by true faith in Him (as imperfect as our faith may be) that we are forgiven and saved. It is only by faith in His power that the disciples were able to cast out demons and heal the sick and blind. It is only by faith that we have hope.