Faith Over Doubt
Watch: Pastor Cam’s message entitled “The Object of our Faith”, and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:14-27
Summary:
Faith is a word we hear often, yet it is also something we struggle to live out fully. In Matthew 17:14-27, we see a series of encounters that challenge the way we understand faith—faith in the face of doubt, fear, and even deficiency. Jesus reminds us that faith must always be rooted in Him and not in our own strength or abilities.
As Jesus descended from the mountain, He was met by a desperate father whose son was tormented by an unclean spirit. The disciples had attempted to cast out the demon but failed. Jesus’ response was sharp: “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you?” (v. 17). The issue wasn’t that they had no faith but that their faith was weak and misplaced. They had performed miracles before, but in this moment, they had lost sight of their complete dependence on Christ.
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where your faith has wavered because you were relying on yourself instead of God?
After Jesus healed the boy, the disciples privately asked why they had failed. Jesus answered, “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” (vv. 19-20). Jesus was not emphasizing the size of their faith but rather the object of it. Even a small amount of faith, when placed in the right hands, can accomplish great things.
Reflection: When you pray, do you believe that God is able, or do you struggle with doubt? What does it mean for your faith to be placed in Christ rather than in your own efforts?
Jesus then predicted His suffering and resurrection (vv. 22-23). The disciples, instead of finding hope in His promise of victory, were greatly distressed. Their fear clouded their understanding. So often, we allow fear to take hold when we don’t fully grasp God’s plan. However, faith is trusting even when we don’t see the full picture.
Reflection: What fears keep you from trusting God fully? How can you remind yourself of His promises in uncertain times?
Lastly, when asked about paying the temple tax, Jesus miraculously provided for both Himself and Peter by having him catch a fish with a coin in its mouth (vv. 24-27). This moment demonstrated God’s ability to provide in the most unexpected ways. It also highlighted that Jesus, though not required to pay the tax as the Son of God, humbled Himself for the sake of others—foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice He would make on the cross.
Reflection: Are you trusting God to provide for your needs? How has He shown His faithfulness in the past?
This passage teaches us that faith must be rooted in Christ alone, must overcome fear with trust, and must rest in God’s provision. True faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting the One who does.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 17:14-27; Mark 9:21-24; Philippians 3:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:12; Romans 8:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; James 5:16
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the demon?
What does Jesus' statement about mustard seed faith teach us about the nature of faith?
How do we sometimes allow fear to overshadow the promises of God?
What can we learn from Jesus’ provision through the fish and the coin?
How can you practice greater dependence on God in your daily life?
Personal Application:
Identify one area in your life where you need to shift your faith from yourself to Christ.
Spend time in prayer this week, specifically asking God to help you trust Him more in uncertain situations.
Keep a journal of ways God has provided for you in the past as a reminder of His faithfulness.
Memorize Matthew 17:20 as an encouragement when your faith feels weak.
Look for an opportunity to encourage someone else in their faith this week.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that my faith is not about how strong I am but about how faithful You are. Help me to trust in You completely, even when I face doubt, fear, or lack. Strengthen my faith so that I may walk in confidence, knowing that You are always in control. Teach me to depend on You, to seek You in prayer, and to live with the assurance that nothing is impossible with You. I surrender my worries and weaknesses to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
