Scripture: Matthew 17:20
Introduction: In Matthew 17:20, Jesus teaches us an incredible truth about faith. He says, “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.” Here, Jesus uses one of the smallest seeds known in His time, the mustard seed, to illustrate the potential and power of even the tiniest amount of faith.
Today, let’s explore what Jesus means by faith like a mustard seed and discover how even a small amount of faith, when placed in God, can accomplish extraordinary things.
1. The Mustard Seed: Small in Size, Great in Potential
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…” (Matthew 17:20)
Mustard seeds are incredibly tiny, yet when planted, they grow into large plants that provide shelter and shade. Jesus uses this image to show us that faith doesn’t need to be enormous to be effective. What matters is not the quantity of faith, but the God in whom our faith is placed.
Application: Often, we feel like we need to have a “big” faith to please God or to see results in our lives. However, Jesus encourages us to start with whatever faith we have, no matter how small it may seem. When we place even a tiny bit of faith in God, He can make it grow beyond what we can imagine.
2. Faith That Moves Mountains: Trusting in God’s Power, Not Our Own
“You can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” (Matthew 17:20)
Jesus describes the power of mustard-seed faith by saying that it can move mountains. This image speaks to obstacles and challenges that seem insurmountable in our lives. When we have faith, we trust not in our own abilities, but in God’s unlimited power. It is not the size of our faith but the greatness of our God that makes all the difference.
Application: Are there “mountains” in your life that feel immovable? These could be personal struggles, broken relationships, or fears about the future. Jesus reminds us that no obstacle is too big for God. When we place our faith in Him, we can trust that He is able to move mountains, even if we can’t see a way forward.
3. The Growth Process: Faith as a Journey
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants…” (Matthew 13:31-32)
Faith, like a mustard seed, is meant to grow. In another parable, Jesus describes how the Kingdom of God begins like a mustard seed but grows into a large tree. Faith is a journey that develops over time through prayer, studying God’s Word, and trusting Him in everyday situations. Small acts of faith today can lead to greater acts of faith tomorrow.
Application: If we feel our faith is small, we don’t need to be discouraged. Instead, we can commit to growing it step-by-step, day-by-day. Simple acts of trusting God, praying, and obeying His Word are like watering a mustard seed. Over time, God will increase our faith, allowing it to grow and impact others.
4. The Power of Faith in Action: Faith That Leads to Transformation
“Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Jesus assures us that with faith, nothing is impossible. This is not a promise that we can achieve whatever we want, but an invitation to trust that God can accomplish His will in and through us. When we exercise faith, we become participants in God’s work, experiencing His power and seeing His purposes fulfilled in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Application: Faith is not passive; it moves us to action. When we take steps of faith, even small ones, we see God work in ways we could never have imagined. Let’s be willing to step out, trusting that as we move in faith, God will bring about His purposes and transform our lives.
5. From Tiny Faith to Great Results: Witnessing the Power of God’s Kingdom
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” (Matthew 13:31)
The mustard seed represents the Kingdom of Heaven—a Kingdom that began humbly and spread across the world, transforming lives and bringing hope. Our faith may start small, but when it’s rooted in God’s Kingdom, it produces lasting fruit. Just as a mustard seed grows into a large tree that provides shelter, our faith, when placed in God, grows and bears fruit that blesses others.
Application: Don’t underestimate the impact of small, consistent faith. Just as the Kingdom has grown from humble beginnings, our faith can make a difference in our families, communities, and workplaces. Let’s seek ways to share our faith with others, even in small ways, trusting that God can use it to bring transformation.
Conclusion: Jesus teaches us that faith as small as a mustard seed has the power to move mountains. This kind of faith isn’t about size; it’s about trusting in a mighty God. No matter how small our faith may feel, if it’s placed in God, He can grow it, strengthen it, and use it for His Kingdom.
Let’s start where we are, with whatever faith we have, and trust that God can and will do great things. When we place our faith in Him, He will bring about extraordinary results beyond our expectations.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that even a small amount of faith can have great power when it’s placed in You. Help us to trust You with the “mustard seeds” of faith that we have. Grow our faith, Lord, and use it to move mountains and bring hope to others. May we trust in Your strength and live each day by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
