The Mercy in a Mustard Seed

In Matthew 17:14-23, Jesus reproves his disciples when they fail to cast a demon out of a boy seized with epilepsy. He scolds them because he had given them the power to do this, but were lacking in faith. He goes on to tell them that all they need is just a “mustard seed” amount of faith and they will be able to move mountains. As Erik pointed out in his sermon, the mustard seed was the smallest known seed in ancient times. Jesus is telling them that all that is required is the smallest amount of faith for God to work through them.

As I reflect on this, I am struck by the mercy in this small amount of faith. Who among us can throw stones at the disciples for lacking the faith to cast out this demon? I think all of us can imagine sharing in their lack of faith. If Christ responded by saying that the disciples could move mountains if they had as much faith as him, I think all of us would despair along with them. We know that even on our best days none of us can measure up to Jesus. But that is not what is required – a mustard seed of faith will do just fine.

By saying only the smallest amount of faith is needed, Jesus is reminding his disciples that the power is found in him, not in themselves. What a great mercy this is! As your pastor, I can tell you I need the reminder of this mercy daily. It is so easy to lock my vision within the boundaries of my abilities. As a church family, we need this reminder front and center – both the present and future of our church is not determined by our abilities but by the power of Christ.

Likewise, God is no doubt personally calling you to pursue certain opportunities and take on particular challenges which in one way or another will advance God’s Kingdom. Maybe you feel it is something impossible – good! Here is your moment for that mustard seed of faith. Truth to be told, it would be better if we saw more things as being impossible by our own powers.[i] We trust ourselves far too much for the small creatures that we are. It is better to see all things as impossible, but to have the mustard seed of faith through which all things are made possible in Christ. The mercy of the mustard seed is that we are invited to simply accept our weakness and instead trust, even by the smallest measure, in the power of Christ. If you lack even that faith, pray that the Holy Spirit would give it to you (1 Cor. 12:9).

[i] Watchman Nee talks about this in his book The Normal Christian Life which can be found in our church library.

Rev. Tom Loghry

Tom Loghry is the senior pastor of Rockland Community Church in North, Scituate, RI. He is a graduate of the Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies, Toccoa Falls College (B.S. Pastoral Ministry), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.A. Theology). He is continuing his graduate studies in the area of “Ethics & Society” at GCTS.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.