Archived Verse Of the Week

A mustard seed is around the size of the head of a straight pin, the kind utilized by seamstresses to tack a pattern to fabric. So, yeah, that's relatively small. However, Jesus teaches that if we have even a small measure of faith, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

 

So why then aren't we doing more? And why do many Christians feel God isn't working in their lives the way we want Him to? As Christians, we are to believe with every ounce that God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants. But there are times when we doubt that God will do what we know He can do. And my friends, that is a lack of faith. A lack of faith is just a lack of trust in God. Believing something is not God's will, stems from studying the scriptures. Plus, understanding that there are some things God will not do for us because He knows better.

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Our first exposure to the concept of faith is brief. It is a faith that results from hearing and believing God's Word. However, the best way for our faith to develop after that is to put it into practice. A mustard seed faith is one that, rather than remaining small, buries itself in the soil of God's word, bears root, and matures and flourishes. Being small-minded is bad enough, but small faith is far worse. Small-mindedness prevents us from seeing God's majesty, breadth, and plan. Small faith implies we see little more than what we can do ourselves.

 

What Does Faith of a Mustard Seed Suggest?

The mustard seed that Jesus speaks of is one of the smallest in the world and grows into something far more significant than its original size. They thrive best in hot and dry climates. A tree can grow up to 12 feet tall from this tiny seed. Jesus uses it to demonstrate the type of faith we require. In other words, our faith is expected to increase significantly.

 

In this parable in Matthew, Jesus gives his disciples the authority to drive out evil spirits as well as the ability to heal disease and sickness. However, a father approached Jesus and informed Him that the disciples had failed to heal his son. The child is then healed by Jesus, which causes the disciples to doubt their faith. They later approached Jesus privately and inquired why they had been unable to heal him. "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Jesus anticipated His disciples would require faith capable of overcoming doubt, demons, and great difficulties. He knew they'd have to move mountains. In Matthew, Jesus uses the mustard seed to show the disciples that even a small quantity of genuine faith may produce something massive from something minuscule. Even a tiny amount of genuine faith can germinate and flourish.

 

Jesus didn't mean for his disciples to literally take this passage about moving mountains and uprooting trees. The key to understanding this verse is that faith is a gift from God. When it comes from God, a little is a lot. It sprouts, shoots up, flourishes, and spreads like any seed sown in the ground, much as the faith described in this verse. This is how Christianity began: with the Son of God teaching 12 men, and today—Christianity has reached billions around the world.

 

The mustard seed can tell us a lot about our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus knew exactly what He needed to say in order for His words to have an impact on the hearts of His disciples. A marriage begins with a spark. We started in life tinier than a pinprick or as a mustard seed grows into a 12-foot tall tree. God's kingdom began with a baby born to a young woman from the little, ordinary village of Nazareth. Hannah's prayers resulted in the birth of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of his day. Before becoming king, David was the youngest of his siblings and an ordinary shepherd boy.

 

God's purpose for our existence is revealed by the quiet little voice saying, "This is the way; walk in it" Isaiah 30:21. This might startle us. It may appear to be overwhelming; it may even seem impossible. But it all starts with taking the first step while grasping the hand of our tremendous Father. Never underestimate what one person can accomplish when we allow God to operate through us. He is most powerful when we are at our weakest. He is hope-filled when we are hopeless. When we doubt, He blows a fresh breath of faith into our souls. When we lack trust, He gives us mustard seed faith.

 

You could be dealing with a cancer diagnosis, the trials of marriage, raising teenagers, or even raising a child with special needs. God may have directed you to resign from your job and establish your own business. Whatever God asks you to perform, we cannot rely on our own skills. Jesus said in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

 

We must be deeply anchored in Jesus, just as a tree needs deep roots to resist storms and droughts. The mustard tree has roots that reach deep into the ground, allowing it to thrive in the most demanding settings. Its roots enable it to thrive in dry and rocky conditions. Paul encouraged the Colossians in his message to evaluate their beliefs and deepen their root system in Christ. Allow your roots to grow into him and your life to be constructed around him. Then your faith in the truth you were taught will grow strong, "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7). We will not be able to weather life's storms if we are not deeply rooted in our faith. A deep faith will give you the strength you need to navigate life's hardships and thrive no matter what life throws at you. 

 

How would your life be different if you truly felt that nothing is impossible?