New Testament
Matthew 17:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they reached the crowd, a man came and knelt before Jesus.
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And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
What Matthew 17:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a man approaching Jesus amidst a crowd. His act of kneeling signifies humility and reverence, indicating that he recognizes Jesus' authority and power. The crowd likely represents a mix of followers and onlookers, creating a tense atmosphere. The man's urgent need drives him to seek Jesus, suggesting desperation and faith. Kneeling is a physical expression of his plea for help, showing that he believes Jesus can address his situation. This moment sets the stage for a significant interaction, highlighting the importance of faith and the willingness to approach Jesus in times of trouble. The man's actions reflect a common theme in the Gospels: people seeking Jesus for healing and guidance. This encounter emphasizes the accessibility of Jesus to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. It invites readers to consider their own approach to Jesus and the importance of humility in seeking help.
How to apply Matthew 17:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach Jesus with humility and faith, especially in our times of need. It reminds us that no matter how crowded our lives may feel, we can still seek Him earnestly. Our struggles can lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Matthew 17:14
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does kneeling before Jesus signify in Matthew 17:14?
Kneeling before Jesus in Matthew 17:14 signifies humility and reverence. It shows that the man recognizes Jesus' authority and power, acknowledging his need for help. This physical act of submission reflects a deep faith and desperation, as the man seeks Jesus for healing or guidance, emphasizing the importance of approaching Jesus with a humble heart.
Why is the crowd significant in this verse?
The crowd in Matthew 17:14 represents a mix of followers and onlookers, creating a dynamic and potentially tense atmosphere. It highlights the public nature of the man's plea and the urgency of his situation. The presence of the crowd also underscores the accessibility of Jesus, as people from various backgrounds come to Him for help, illustrating that faith can thrive even in busy or chaotic environments.
How can we apply Matthew 17:14 to our lives today?
Matthew 17:14 encourages us to approach Jesus with humility and faith, especially during challenging times. It reminds us that regardless of life's distractions or difficulties, we can earnestly seek Jesus for help. This verse invites us to reflect on our own willingness to kneel in prayer and seek guidance, reinforcing the idea that our struggles can deepen our relationship with Him.
What does this verse teach about faith and desperation?
This verse illustrates that faith often arises from desperation. The man's urgent need drives him to seek Jesus, demonstrating that in moments of crisis, our faith can lead us to seek divine help. It teaches us that acknowledging our struggles and approaching Jesus with a humble heart can open the door to healing and guidance, reinforcing the idea that faith is a response to our deepest needs.
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