Trusting Jesus' Authority
The Key to Moving Mountains
Have you ever felt like your faith is falling short? Like you're trying to do everything right, but nothing seems to work? You’re not alone. In Matthew 17, we see the disciples facing a similar struggle. They had been following Jesus, witnessing His miracles, and even performing some themselves. But suddenly, they hit a wall. They couldn’t heal a boy suffering from seizures, and they were left wondering why.
Understanding why the disciples struggled can help you navigate your own faith journey. It can show you how to tap into the power and authority of Jesus to overcome the challenges you face in your faith journey.
The Main Point: Jesus is the Authority
The core message of the text is clear: Jesus is the authority. Our faith in His authority connects us to the kingdom work He is doing. When we trust in Jesus, mountains move. This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a promise. Jesus Himself said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). This isn’t mean to move us toward some prosperity theology of trying to use Jesus to get us worldly comforts. Rather, this is meant to remind us of the insane scope of power we tap into when we’re synced up with Jesus to advance his kingdom!
Why Should You Care?
You might be wondering, "Why should I care about this?" The answer is simple: Your faith in Jesus’ authority can transform your life. It can bring healing, peace, and purpose. It can help you navigate the storms of life with confidence, knowing that Jesus is in control. Your faith also allows you to fully join with Jesus in seeking and saving the lost here and now!
What Do you need to Know?
I want you to know that Jesus’ authority is real and powerful. He has the power to heal, to cast out demons, and to advance His kingdom. But this power is accessed through faith. The disciples struggled because their faith wavered. They had seen Jesus do amazing things, but when He started talking about suffering and death, their trust was shaken.
Why Do You need to Know It?
Your faith matters. It’s not just about believing in Jesus; it’s about trusting Him with your life. When you trust in His authority, you tap into His power. You become a part of the kingdom work He is doing in the world.
What should You to Do?
I want you to build your faith. Faith is not blind; it’s based on trust, and trust is built on facts. Here are some practical steps you can take to build your faith:
Read the Word: Spend time in the Bible. Get to know Jesus through His Word.
Pray: Talk to Jesus. Share your struggles and ask for His help.
Listen to Testimonies: Hear how Jesus has worked in the lives of others.
Join a Community: Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage and support you.
Why should You Do It?
I want you to do this because life is hard, and your faith will be tested. Circumstances will scream that Jesus isn’t enough, but He is. Building your faith will help you stand firm when the storms of life come.
Conclusion
Remember this: Jesus is the better Moses. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai and found the Israelites worshipping a golden calf, he responded with anger. But when Jesus came down from the mountain and found His disciples struggling, He responded with healing. Jesus’ authority is compassionate and powerful. He meets our needs and conquers the curse.
So, what will you do this week to build your faith? Will you spend time in the Word, pray, listen to testimonies, or join a community? Remember, it’s your faith in Jesus’ authority that will carry you through the challenges of life. Without taking this step, you’ll miss out on what Jesus has for you.
