What does Jesus say about faith the size of a mustard seed?

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about faith the size of a mustard seed in a couple of key passages, notably in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These references are rich with meaning and offer profound insights into the nature and power of faith. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, it is my joy to delve into these passages and explore what Jesus is teaching us about faith and its transformative power in our lives.

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Similarly, in Luke 17:6, Jesus states, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."

The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds known in the agrarian society of Jesus' time, yet it grows into a large plant. By using this metaphor, Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest amount of genuine faith has the power to accomplish great things. This teaching is not just about the quantity of faith but its quality and the potential inherent within it.

The Nature of Faith

Faith, in the biblical sense, is more than mere belief or mental assent. It is trust and reliance on God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This kind of faith is rooted in a relationship with God and is characterized by trust in His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Jesus' reference to the mustard seed highlights the dynamic and living nature of faith. Just as a mustard seed contains within it the potential to grow into a large plant, so even a small amount of true faith contains the potential for great spiritual growth and powerful outcomes. It is not the size of our faith that matters but the object of our faith – God Himself.

Faith and Action

The metaphor of moving mountains or uprooting trees underscores the active nature of faith. Faith is not passive; it involves action and obedience. James 2:17 tells us, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Genuine faith will manifest in our actions, reflecting our trust in God’s power and promises.

When Jesus speaks of moving mountains, He is using hyperbolic language to illustrate that faith makes the impossible possible. This does not mean that faith is a magical force that allows us to control the physical world at will. Rather, it means that when we align ourselves with God's will and purposes, there is no obstacle too great for Him to overcome. Our faith, no matter how small, taps into the limitless power of God.

Faith in the Face of Doubt

It is important to recognize that Jesus' teaching about mustard seed faith comes in contexts where His disciples are struggling with doubt. In Matthew 17, the disciples are unable to cast out a demon, and Jesus attributes their failure to their lack of faith. This teaches us that doubt and lack of faith can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God’s power in our lives.

However, Jesus does not condemn the disciples for their small faith; instead, He encourages them to grow in faith. This is a comforting truth for us as well. We all experience moments of doubt and weakness, but Jesus invites us to bring our small faith to Him. He assures us that even the smallest faith, when placed in Him, can grow and produce miraculous results.

Growing in Faith

The metaphor of the mustard seed also suggests a process of growth. Just as a seed must be planted, watered, and nurtured to grow, so our faith must be cultivated. This involves regular engagement with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Romans 10:17 tells us, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and seek to know God more deeply, our faith will grow.

Furthermore, faith grows through experience. As we step out in faith and see God’s faithfulness in our lives, our trust in Him deepens. Each step of faith builds upon the last, leading to greater confidence in God's power and goodness.

Faith and Humility

Another important aspect of Jesus' teaching on mustard seed faith is the humility it requires. A mustard seed is small and seemingly insignificant, yet it holds great potential. Similarly, true faith involves recognizing our own limitations and relying on God's strength. It is an acknowledgment that we are not self-sufficient and that we need God’s intervention in our lives.

This humility is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." The kingdom of heaven, like a mustard seed, starts small but grows into something great. Our faith, though it may start small, can grow and have a significant impact in the world when it is rooted in God’s kingdom.

Faith and Community

Faith is not meant to be a solitary endeavor. The imagery of the mustard seed growing into a large plant where birds can perch suggests that our faith, as it grows, provides shelter and blessing to others. This speaks to the communal aspect of faith. As we grow in faith, we are called to encourage and support one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In the context of community, our small faith is nurtured and strengthened. We learn from the testimonies of others, we are upheld in prayer, and we are spurred on to greater acts of love and service. The church, as the body of Christ, is a vital context for the growth and expression of our faith.

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus’ teaching about faith the size of a mustard seed is a profound encouragement to us. It reminds us that even the smallest amount of genuine faith, when placed in God, has the potential to accomplish great things. This faith is characterized by trust in God, active obedience, humility, and growth. It is nurtured through engagement with Scripture, prayer, and community.

As we reflect on this teaching, let us be encouraged to cultivate our faith, no matter how small it may seem. Let us trust in the limitless power of God and step out in obedience to His call. And let us do so in the context of community, supporting and encouraging one another as we grow together in faith. For with God, nothing is impossible, and even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.