Meaning of Matthew 17:21

This verse, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting," spoken by Jesus in Matthew 17:21, directly follows an incident where His disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a boy. Jesus, after being called by the boy's father, rebukes the demon, and it departs, leaving the boy healed. The disciples, perplexed by their failure, ask Jesus why they could not expel it. Jesus' response highlights that certain spiritual strongholds and demonic influences are not easily dislodged; they require a deeper level of spiritual engagement and reliance on God, specifically through the disciplines of prayer and fasting. This implies that while Jesus' authority is paramount, the disciples' (and by extension, believers') effectiveness in spiritual warfare is amplified by their spiritual discipline and dependence on divine power.

Context and Background

The immediate context is the healing of a boy with epilepsy, described as being tormented by a demon, who also caused him to fall into fire and water (Matthew 17:14-18). The disciples' inability to heal him underscores a spiritual deficit in their own faith and practice at that moment. Jesus' rebuke is not just to the demon but also implicitly to the disciples' lack of faith and perhaps their over-reliance on their own perceived authority rather than on God's power through prayer. The parallel account in Mark 9:29 omits the phrase "and fasting," stating, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer." The inclusion of "and fasting" in Matthew suggests an emphasis on a more rigorous form of spiritual discipline that can break through stubborn spiritual opposition.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spiritual Warfare: The verse speaks directly to the reality of spiritual battles against malevolent forces. It acknowledges that some spiritual obstacles are particularly tenacious.
• The Power of Prayer: Prayer is presented as a vital tool for spiritual victory, signifying direct communication and petition to God for His intervention.
• The Discipline of Fasting: Fasting, often accompanied by prayer, signifies a deliberate act of self-denial and spiritual focus, demonstrating a heightened dependence on God and a surrender of physical desires for spiritual pursuit.
• Dependence on God: Ultimately, the verse emphasizes that spiritual efficacy does not stem from human ability alone but from a deep reliance on God's power.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage serves as a crucial teaching on spiritual maturity and effectiveness. It instructs believers that persistent spiritual challenges may require more than routine or casual spiritual practice. It calls for a deeper commitment to prayer, perhaps extended or more fervent prayer, and the discipline of fasting as a means to strengthen spiritual resolve, sharpen spiritual discernment, and increase sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. It encourages believers to assess their own spiritual lives and to employ these disciplines when facing significant spiritual opposition, whether personal temptations, hindrances to ministry, or broader societal issues influenced by spiritual darkness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of specific spiritual battles requiring divine intervention is woven throughout Scripture. From the expulsion of demons by Jesus and His disciples (e.g., Mark 1:34, Luke 10:17) to the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6, the Bible consistently portrays a spiritual realm where believers are engaged in conflict. The emphasis on prayer and fasting as tools for overcoming spiritual strongholds aligns with the practices of key figures in the Old Testament, such as Moses (Exodus 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and Daniel (Daniel 9:3), who sought God's guidance and power through these disciplines during critical junctures.

Analogies

One analogy for understanding this verse is that of a soldier preparing for a particularly challenging mission. While basic training equips them for general duty, facing a heavily fortified enemy might require specialized training, advanced equipment, and intense preparation beyond the norm. Similarly, while prayer is the believer's constant communication with God, facing "this kind" of spiritual opposition may necessitate intensified spiritual disciplines like extended prayer vigils and fasting, analogous to a soldier going through advanced combat training. Another analogy could be that of a physician treating a severe illness. While common remedies might suffice for minor ailments, a critical condition demands specialized treatments and focused medical intervention.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with other biblical passages that underscore the importance of faith and spiritual discipline. Jesus Himself states in Matthew 6:16-18 that fasting should be done discreetly, implying its spiritual efficacy when practiced with the right heart attitude. Mark 9:23, in a parallel passage, states, "Everything is possible for him who believes." This highlights that faith, often bolstered by prayer and fasting, is the foundation upon which God's power is unleashed. Furthermore, Romans 8:26-27 speaks of the Holy Spirit interceding for believers, suggesting that fervent prayer is a conduit through which divine assistance is received, especially when our own strength is insufficient. The call to spiritual preparedness in 1 Peter 4:7, urging believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer, also supports the idea that spiritual disciplines are essential for effective engagement with spiritual realities.