Faith That Depends on God

Leader Setup and Theology

Passage: Matthew 17:14-20

Big Idea for Leaders: The disciples' failure was not a lack of technique or effort; it was a faith problem. Jesus teaches that Christian power is not self-generated. True faith is a gift of God that grows through dependence on Him—especially through prayer, His Word, and the ordinary means of grace. When kids understand that faith is relying on Jesus rather than mustering up their own strength, they are freed from performance anxiety and pointed to Christ.

Time Estimate: 15–20 minutes total

Question 1: The Disciples' Failure

Read aloud together:

'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.' — Matthew 17:15-16

Ask: What happened when the disciples tried to help the boy? Why do you think they failed?

Expected Answers: - The disciples could not cast the demon out. The boy stayed sick until Jesus healed him. - Jesus later told them it was because of their 'little faith.' They were trusting their own power instead of depending on God.

Redirect Language: If a child blames the boy or his dad, gently redirect: 'The text points to the disciples' faith, not the boy's fault. Jesus says their little faith was the issue.'

Time: 3 minutes

Question 2: Little Faith

Read aloud together:

'He said to them, 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 they will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.' — Matthew 17:20

Ask: What does Jesus mean by 'little faith'? Does He want us to have BIG faith all by ourselves?

Expected Answers: - 'Little faith' means faith that is weak because it is focused on us instead of on God. - No, Jesus is not telling us to try harder. Even a tiny mustard-seed faith is powerful when it is placed in the big, powerful God.

Redirect Language: If a child says, 'I need to believe harder,' clarify: 'Faith is not about how hard we squeeze our eyes shut. It is about who we trust. We depend on Jesus, not on our own believing power.'

Time: 3 minutes

Question 3: An Ordinary Cross-Reference

Read aloud together:

'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' — Matthew 28:18

Ask: How does knowing Jesus has all authority change the way we think about the mountain-moving promise in Matthew 17:20?

Expected Answers: - It means the power does not come from me; it comes from Jesus because He is in charge of everything. - When we pray or face hard things, we can depend on His authority instead of our own strength.

Redirect Language: If a child thinks this means getting anything they want, redirect: 'Jesus uses His authority for what is good and true. This promise is about trusting His power to do what seems impossible in His will, not about getting toys or winning games.'

Time: 3 minutes

Question 4: Growing Faith Through Ordinary Means

Ask: The pastor mentioned that reading the Bible, praying, baptism, and the Lord's Supper are 'ordinary means of grace.' How can these ordinary things help your faith grow?

Expected Answers: - When I read the Bible, I see stories of God's power and faithfulness, which makes me trust Him more. - Prayer reminds me that I need God every day. The Lord's Supper reminds me what Jesus did on the cross. - These things do not work like magic; they grow my faith as I depend on God through them.

Redirect Language: If a child treats the sacraments superstitiously, say: 'Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not magic spells. They are gifts that help our faith when we use them to look to Jesus and depend on Him.'

Time: 4 minutes

Question 5: Application — Depend on Him This Week

Ask: What is one situation this week where you usually try to handle everything yourself? How could you practice depending on God instead?

Expected Answers: - When I am nervous for a test at school, I can pray and ask God to help me do my best instead of just worrying. - When I am fighting with my brother or sister, I can stop trying to win the argument myself and ask God to help me be patient and kind. - When I feel scared at night, I can remember Jesus has authority over everything and ask Him to help me trust Him.

Redirect Language: If answers are vague, prompt with specifics: 'Think about a subject at school, a sport, a friendship, or a chore. What would it look like to stop and pray before you react?'

Time: 4 minutes

Closing Prayer Prompt

Lead the group in a short prayer. Encourage each child to finish this sentence aloud or silently: 'Jesus, this week I will depend on You when ___________.'

Time: 2 minutes