Commentary on Matthew 21:21

Verse (Matthew 21:21): "Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.'

Introduction

This verse presents a significant teaching from Jesus regarding the power of faith. It comes after the miracle of the cursed fig tree, symbolizing the authoritative words of Christ and the profound implications of genuine belief. The insights offered by public domain commentaries help illuminate the deeper meanings within this passage.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the unconditional nature of faith as taught by Jesus. He explains that faith must be combined with a lack of doubt to achieve extraordinary things. Henry notes that in the figurative mention of 'mountains,' Jesus illustrates the challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable in our lives. Faith, therefore, has the power to overcome these hurdles.

• Importance of Faith: Henry elucidates that genuine faith is not merely a belief in the existence of God, but a confident trust in His power and willingness to act on our behalf.
• Fig Tree Symbolism: The cursing of the fig tree serves as a stark warning against fruitlessness. Henry suggests that just as Jesus cursed the fig tree for its lack of fruit, He underlines the importance of being productive in our spiritual lives.
• Spiritual Obstacles: The 'mountains' represent the spiritual obstacles in our path. Faith enables believers to overcome adversities that may appear as formidable as mountains.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes provides additional context to Jesus' declaration about faith and its unbounded possibilities. He draws attention to the context of Jesus' discourse, emphasizing the need for a living faith in God. Barnes identifies three key concepts:

• Faith and Doubt: Doubt can hinder the efficacy of our prayers and expectations. Barnes asserts that faith must be unwavering to witness the miraculous.
• Mountains of Difficulty: In biblical literature, mountains are often symbolic of great trials or challenges. Jesus instructs that true faith can command these obstacles to be removed, portraying the empowering nature of belief.
• Prayer and Faith in Action: Barnes correlates this teaching with the importance of prayer, which should be combined with unwavering faith. Prayer without faith is ineffectual, he notes, as it lacks the power that Jesus promises to us.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke offers a deeper theological insight into the mechanics of faith articulated in this passage. Clarke highlights several observations:

• Authority in Faith: He discusses how Jesus conveys authority to believers, suggesting that the power of faith can lead to actions that seem impossible.
• Moral Application: Clarke emphasizes that this verse is not a blanket promise for all desires, but rather aligns with God’s will. The believer's task is to align their requests with divine intentions.
• Encouragement to Believers: Clarke encourages Christians to wake up to the dormant power within them through faith, prompting them to confront their personal 'mountains' with assurance.

Theological Implications

Considering the combined insights from these esteemed commentaries, we can derive several theological implications:

• The Nature of Faith: Faith is more than belief; it is an active trust that engages with God’s omnipotence. Believers are called not only to have faith but to act upon it.
• The Role of Doubt: Doubt is illustrated as a major adversary to faith. This passage compels believers to examine their hearts and ensure that their faith is resolute.
• Faith in Action: Jesus' teachings encourage believers to take action based on their faith. The idea of commanding mountains to move suggests that faith should compel us to undertake bold endeavors in obedience to divine will.

Practical Applications

This powerful teaching in Matthew 21:21 serves as a motivational force for pastors, students, theologians, and scholars alike. Here are some practical applications:

• Faith Development: Engage in practices that nurture faith. This might include prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers to strengthen one's faith.
• Confronting Obstacles: Identify personal challenges as 'mountains' in life and approach them with the mindset of overcoming through faith.
• Transformative Prayer: Develop a prayer life that aligns with faith. Pray boldly and expectantly, trusting that God can accomplish what seems impossible.
• Moral Responsibility: Ensure that requests made in faith are examined against the character and will of God, understanding that true faith seeks alignment with divine purpose.

Conclusion

The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 21:21 emphasize that real faith requires both assurance and action. When believers trust God’s ability to overcome obstacles, they can partake in the miraculous works Jesus discusses. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke deepen our understanding of this critical verse, encouraging us to foster a faith that is active and impactful.