Matthew 17:14-16

The Greek word gonypeteo, translated "falling on his knees" or "knelt," suggests humility and entreaty, not necessarily worship (cf. Matthew 27:29; Mark 1:40; Mark 10:17). Likewise "Lord" was perhaps only a respectful address (cf. Matthew 8:2). The young man’s epilepsy was evidently a result of demon possession (Matthew 17:18). The impotent disciples were some or all of the nine who did not go up the mountain for the Transfiguration.

There are many instances of the disciples’ failures in this section of Matthew (cf. Matthew 14:16-21; Matthew 14:26-31; Matthew 15:16; Matthew 15:23; Matthew 15:33; Matthew 16:5; Matthew 16:22; Matthew 17:4; Matthew 17:10-11). Earlier they had great miraculous powers (Matthew 10:1; Matthew 10:8). However, their power was not their own; it came from Jesus. As Jesus progressively trained the disciples, He also withdrew some of their power to teach them that it came from Him and related to their trust in Him (Matthew 14:16-17; Matthew 14:31; Matthew 15:5; Matthew 15:8).

"The sovereign authority of Jesus the Messiah in healing and exorcism is unique; his disciples can draw on it only by faith, and that is what they have failed to do in this case." [Note: France, The Gospel . . ., p. 659.]