5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
17:5
And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
In verses 5 and 6, we have a picture of faith. When the apostles understood the level of faith Jesus expected of them, the Twelve asked the Lord to increase their faith. They wanted their faith to grow stronger.
17:6
So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
Jesus said that a little faith can do great things. A mulberry tree is known for its extensive root system, making it difficult to uproot. The small faith that begins as a mustard seed can grow into something strong that can uproot a mulberry tree. The mustard seed was very small; the faith of a mustard seed can accomplish great things. God can do things with those who have little faith.
PRINCIPLE:
God can do great things with little faith.
APPLICATION:
The faith Jesus sets for us is a high standard, a complete faith that trusts God fully. This faith expects God to work and depends on Him to use it. God’s work cannot be done by human agency alone. A little faith in God is greater than great human effort.
