10th Sunday of Matthew
Last week, we saw Peter fail his “test of faith.”
This week, we see the disciples fail.
A “moon-struck” man is brought to Jesus only because the disciples couldn’t heal him.
By a word, Jesus heals the boy, but not without chastising the disciples’ lack of trust.
Trust as small as a mustard seed can “move mountains,” he tells them.
The mountain that Jesus refers to is Mount Zion, from which God reigns.
It was from a mountain that the Law was given, and it was on a mountain that Jesus was revealed to be the content of the Law (the Transfiguration).
To move a mountain is to go and proclaim the gospel in new places—to bring God’s “mountain reign” to all corner’s of the world.
And, in case you forgot how God reveals himself as king, Jesus reminds them that it’s intimately tied to his betrayal, death, and resurrection.
Scripture: Matthew 17:14-23 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: Trust is giving your allegiance to the one God who can give you the power to move mountains.
Discussion Questions
- What causes you to lose faith and do something you know is contrary to your Christian faith? How can you find the strength to “trust” Christ in those situations?
- How does seeing the connection between Mt. Sinai, Mt. Zion, and Mt. Tabor help you understand “moving mountains”? What does it say about God that he reigns from a high mountain? What does it say about God that he is revealed as King through the crucifixion?
- The “epileptic” followed after other gods (see below). But we are called to the way of the cross. Some Greek manuscripts mention prayer and fasting here. How might they show us the way of the cross? How can you be better in tune with Jesus and his calling for our lives?
Moving Forward
Most translators translate σεληνιάζομαι as “epileptic.”
But, in Greek, Matthew actually says that the boy is “moon-struck,” or, in English, a “lunatic.”
So, what’s the spiritual meaning of this?
Well, Deuteronomy 4:19 makes a reference to worshipping the moon.
Put it all together and Matthew is telling us that the man’s son had been led astray by false idols or philosophies, which are destroying him by fire and water.
Today, we are often led astray by our own philosophies and ideologies, which often drive our persuasions and motives.
But, as Christians, we are called to put our trust in the gospel of the crucified Christ, as revealed on Mt. Sinai and Mt. Tabor, and not in the views of humans.
Changing Your Mind
“Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21)
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Hello Fr. Dustin,
Interesting connection to Dt. 4:19!
“Some Greek manuscripts mention prayer and fasting here. How might they show us the way of the cross?”
Why do some manuscripts have this and others do not?
How might prayer and fasting show us the way of the cross?
I’m thinking the cross is the model for discipleship. The cross directs us back to scripture. The cross is love of the other (especially the one we despise – our enemies). Prayer leads us back to scripture since the Psalter is the prayer book of the church. Fasting may have a couple of functions: 1) I eat less so the other can have something to eat, 2) If I’m fasting my mouth is closed so I’m less likely to say something that harms the other.
Maybe the cross as discipleship is scripture is my only reference to define discipleship and the object of my discipleship (“disciple-ing”) is the needy/weaker neighbor?
I’m open to your correction on my thinking.
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike,
I think you’re on the right track.
With regard to fasting, I would also add discipline. In order to fast, you have to cultivate a lifestyle of disciple, which you can then use to overcome other passions that might enslave you (pride, anger, greed, etc.). Only when you’re free of passions can you freely say “yes” to Christ and truly be free.