draw two further conclusions about the effects of faith. 17:20 the disciples had failed to cast out a demon. God bless. Use this Bible object lesson about Faith for your next children's sermon. If I were making a list of all the things I wish Jesus had never said, this saying about having faith the size of a mustard seed would be near the top. Thus, the underlying message isn’t so much the power of faith to transform the world around you, but it’s potential to transform you in your soul, growing from a seed to a magnificent tree. Something everyone who is a believer should ask God for (myself included). Thank you for your comment. The Lord bless you. The mustard tree is drought tolerant and if we have faith even the size of a tiny mustard seed, we too can tolerate the dry times in our lives, the difficult growing seasons of a Christian, and even when we are “planted” in poor soil we can still grow, even if we only have a small amount of faith. Thank you Josh. All Rights Reserved. YouTube video “What Faith Can Do” by Kutlesseval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',119,'0','0'])); Tagged as: Remember , the apostles ,after hearing the teaching on the mustard seed said “Help us in our lack of faith” The mustard-seed produced the largest of all herbs. The version in Luke comes after Jesus speaks on Mustard seed faith, Jack Wellman is a father and grandfather and a Christian author and pastor of Heritage Evangelical Free Church in Udall, KS & also a Prison Minister. A mustard seed is only 1 to 2 millimeters which is about 1/64th of an inch! Just simple faith. “Little faith” must be “like” that of a mustard seed. But this is about unwavering faith. You see, it is only the mustard seed that is willing to give everything in obedience to God that will ever become a mustard … is after all through faith, not the sword, that the kingdom of heaven grows. The Mustard Plant. Okay, if I know it is God’s will, it only takes a grain of mustard seed’s worth of faith to command even a mountain. Well done Pr. All rights reserved. power of a faith that is small like the seed. Joe, you are more kind to me than I deserve. Jim. Thanks, my brother & friend, for further restoring my hope. Glory be the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Listen. Hi Jack. God said ” come , let us reason together” . The implication is obvious: faith allows us to do one without works (see James 2:17). see faith moving a mountain. Not money. Yes, but my humanity is too often pushing this knowledge out because I tend to only believe what I see. I never looked at it that way before. only drawing attention to the small size of these seeds. Catholic Exchange is a project of Sophia Institute Press. Raised as an evangelical Protestant, he is a convert to Catholicism. That brought some faith in knowing God is trying to reach out to me and tell me having just a little bit of faith as small as a mustered seed can bring you a long way! Growth. The use of the metaphor cannot be accidental. When they asked Jesus why they had failed He replied that it was because of their unbelief for they only needed faith the size of a mustard seed. They were added by someone . As I told Josh, all glory to God in Jesus Christ for the power is in His word and not mine. The mustard tree is drought tolerant and if we have faith even the size of a tiny mustard seed, we too can tolerate the dry times in our lives, the difficult growing seasons of being a Christian, and even when we are “planted” in poor soil we can still grow, even if we only have a small amount of faith. The mustard tree is drought tolerant and if we have faith even the size of a tiny mustard seed, we too can tolerate the dry times in our lives, the difficult growing seasons of a Christian, and even when we are “planted” in poor soil we can still grow, even if we only have a small amount of faith. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). God enabled me to understand from your simple elaboration. Thank you Rey for your encouragement. He welcomes tips, suggestions, and any other feedback at bealenews at gmail dot com. When faith keeps God as its Object, nothing is impossible (even serial forgiveness! Answer: Like with all parables, the purpose of the Parable of the Mustard Seed is to teach a concept or “big idea” using elements or details, like birds, weeds, and growth, that are common, easily recognized, and usually representational of something else. All rights reserved worldwide. The nesting birds may refer to Old Testament texts which emphasize the universal reach of God's empire, such as Daniel 4:12. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20). plant. “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Your faith should be like that. “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith” (Matthew 6:30)? Amen. I really got a lot from your writing this article. Jesus seems to be saying that the Kingdom of God, at the time of Jesus‘ earthly ministry, was small in the beginning and from this tiny seed, it would grow and grow. He responds. The mustard seed is faith, the Kingdom. LOL!) Like Robert wrote above, I too appreciated the analogy between the mustard see and our faith. increase their faith. The mustard-seed was the smallest of all seeds. I praise the Lord. If, after all, that was only point, He could (Yes, mustard I can only boast on God and His glory, may He alone be glorified but I do appreciate your kind words my friend. But, what does it mean to have faith like a grain of mustard seed? Mustard seed faith refers to two different sayings of Jesus. Alan. Thank you kindly sir. Hence, I do prefer the idea of size. And the mustard seed itself is mentioned in Luke 17:6. In the first, we can What Do Christians Believe About Dinosaurs? A mustard seed does not have any faith, so I am not sure you can get the idea of “poverty” out of the comparison. I have read each word and paragraph prayerfully. Truly I tell you, if you have faith like a grain of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. mustard seed, Stephen Beale is a freelance writer based in Providence, Rhode Island. O what a Mighty God. Matthew 17:20 says… “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately … I love the view n enlighting……Seed is a begining of a new life or tree…..As faith is the begining of new life in Christ…..Seed new some element to geminate …..water n warmth……people can have faith on another human….so human water n warmth…..does went that man die…..warm produce by Light…..Christ is the living water n the everlasting light……if we allow our seed of faith to use the living water n the warmth of the true light…..that faith will grow to everlasting life……. Because a mustard seed is very small, they interpret the recently cited passages as saying that if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, or if you just had a little faith, then you could move mountains. Faith the size of a mustard seed is powerful when it is focused this way. Though a seed is very small, the height of the plant that grows from it is very great. So there are three things to note: the seed is living; Also, even if the tree is cut down to the trunk, it can grow back again, so the analogy is that even during times of pruning, the believer can overcome and come back stronger than ever, just like the mustard tree that’s been severely pruned and even if only a tiny bit of faith remains. Water. The leaves can be made into, you guessed it, mustard. Jesus says. You are more than too kind. They ask To Him be praise…Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. Tagged as: But notice, the Lord does not specifically say,’ if you had faith the size of a mustard seed.’ (Sadly, there were a zillion conversations that left Dad & me at odds, and sometimes extremely angry w/each other. Wonderful article on the mustard seed. May God richly bless you for your words of edification. That is what Jesus is referring to and the people then knew that. “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us"- Augustine, Copyright © 2010-2020 Telling Ministries LLC. Pastor Jack, this message has changed my life for the better, especially as we begin the new year. The Meaning of the Mustard Seed Parable In a memorable and intriguing parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a microscopic mustard seed that grows into a towering tree. As a grain of mustard-seed - See the notes at Matthew 13:31-32. I KNOW Jesus has forgiven us both, Pastor, and also that Daddy is resting in Jesus’ loving Arms now. You are such an encourager my friend. I am only an unworthy servant doing his duty so all glory to God (Psalm 115:1) but thank you for the encouragement my friend. In both, Jesus simply says ‘faith as a It can grow in hot, dry weather or cool, wet climates. Our Bible study website; CleanBible.com is up but still under construction. Thank you so much my friend. The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost . life-giving in such a way that it leads to the bearing of fruit. Sep 14, 2015 - Explore Jeena Hall's board "♡Faith of a Mustard Seed♡", followed by 110 people on Pinterest. I appreciate your encouragment nonetheless my good friend. Thanks sooo much for another enlightening article with Scriptures, Pastor Jack! And, they reasoned, according to Jesus, even this size faith could accomplish much. He normally speaks … context—the moving of the mulberry tree and planting it in the sea. May God richly bless your message. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17:6). I believe that Jesus’ point is that it only takes a tiny amount of faith to “move mountains” because Jesus said, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29).eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',116,'0','0'])); Jesus compared the mustard seed to the Kingdom, saying “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field” (Matthew 13:31) and “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” (Luke 17:6). We can do the same as a mustard seed does. Best of Week, And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It reads “if you have the faith of a mustard seed…” Hello, Pastor Jack! Will not mix for its nature will always come up mustard plant producing Mustard Seed. Your faith is meant to grow and go! mustard seed.’ No doubt, the smallness of these seeds is at the fore, but Jesus I love this article. What can I boast about? The faith of a mustard seed, so small you can hardly see it. Most people draw comfort from Jesus point about the You don’t need faith in yourself, you need faith in God’s power and you are the available person that partners with God to bring it to pass. A fast-growing annual herb, the mustard seed grows up to 10 feet tall in just a few short months, demonstrating the striking example of the potential of a small, insignificant seed. What is, is to know the dunamis Power in which you operate, and your authority in Christ, that is what will move the mountain. What is the meaning of this saying of Jesus and the applications for our life? mustard seeds grow. leads us to die to ourselves in the flesh so that we might come alive in the Even though it’s one of the smallest seeds, the trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Incidentally, the mustard tree has many uses. Can I use your article for my Life Ministry Coaching? Thank you Pastor for the wonderful and powerful message on mmastard seed resemble to the faith of a Christianity believers to be. The contexts of both Matthew and Luke also us to God’s ways are past finding out and the way that He uses other people to help us is just one of those amazing ways. Amen.) Galatians 5:24, What did Jesus mean when He said if you have faith as a mustard seed? How much faith? Nothing will be impossible for you.”. As i read this article i thought i need to just get a reminder of what Faith is and wow right there towards the end Hebrews 11: Bible Study on Faith!!!! By using the uncommonly small mustard seed as an example, Jesus is speaking figuratively about the incalculable power of God when unleashed in the lives of those with true faith. possible. Not your works. or a pepper with tomato hot tomato or a soft juicy pepper but mustard grow with anything WILL NOT CHANGE. You can certainly print it out and make copies if you wish. My pastor came up to me this past Sunday and said here I brought you something back because he had to leave on a trip a week prior to that.. Mustard seed necklaces remind Christians of the power of faith. Jesus Himself emphasized this aspect of the seed earlier in Matthew: He proposed another parable to them. We can start out small and obsolete, but grow into something grand and powerful. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',115,'0','0']));There are many Scriptures that Jesus used about the mustard seed. This seems to be a physical impossibility for there is nothing for the roots of Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like a mustard … My faith has been enlightened because i know i have let it grow in the good soil (JESUS). the most seemingly unsettled of situations. A mustard seed represents growth, dependence, and faith. What does it mean? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” ― Mark 4:30-32, English Standard Version He said therefore… Jesus rebuked the disciples so often about their having “little faith” because they doubted His divinity. simile of the mustard seed. As Scripture says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (see Heb 11:1). Would this growth ever stop? The really faithful Christians, however, or believers, were those who possessed a bigger faith than this. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Previous post: From the Muck and Mire to a Higher Calling, Next post: Bible Story Quiz: 20 “Name That Story” Trivia Questions. The implications of this tree are not lost in a dead and decaying world. Jesus uses similar And that’s what faith does for us—beginning with the world within. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. An article like this is a great display of Spiritual discernment of the Word on your part Jack. I see the mustard seed as being symbolic of faith in that our faith can be tested in the “dry times”, the most difficult of circumstances (drought, poor soil, and in clay or sandy ground). Does this mean that we only need a small amount of faith? This is probably the true meaning. Our faith can move mountains. ). The mustard seed is one of the tiniest, most insignificant seeds found in the Middle East. A Sermon for Every Sunday, October 2, 2016 . In Matt. A mustard seed kind of faith is faith that isn’t content to stay small, but one that buries itself in the soil of God’s Word, takes root, and grows and grows and grows and… ~ By Darla Noble Living By Faith – free eBook Faithworks Centre, Prince Edward Island is a church where people from all walks of life join to grow in faith. faith, He has appeared on Fox News, C-SPAN and the Today Show and his writing has been published in the Washington Times, Providence Journal, the National Catholic Register and on MSNBC.com and ABCNews.com. However, your faith will only grow when you continuously keep taking steps of faith and silencing every doubt in your mind. Many people believe Jesus was talking about Small Faith. it is life-giving even though it appears to be dead on the outside; and it is Love, in Christ, Jesus….Patty. It went completely over my head ’cause I didn’t understand what it had to do with our conversation at the time. As we come into a new year and a new decade, I pray that you would see your faith would grow like a mustard seed and that you would be encouraged with fruit from your tiniest labors of love and faith! Jesus why. Can tiny amounts of faith really move mountains? The mustard seed is mentioned several times in the Bible, mostly in the parables. forgiving someone who was wronged you seven times in one day and asks for For example: take Hot pepper and grow it with parsley you will get a spicy parsley. Praise the Lord for your faith. the impossible because nothing will be impossible for God. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:7). Jack has written 1093 articles on What Christians Want To Know! I need it. One of the most beloved verses on faith is Jesus’ It only takes a tiny amount of faith to “move mountains.”  My faith is only as strong as the Object of my faith. building a house on quicksand, except even worse. is a greater impossibility—the ‘planting’ of a tree in the waves of the sea. The mustard seed (Sinapis nigra) or black mustard, grew wild and was cultivated in Palestine. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. One nineteenth century commentator sums it up well: It has been supposed by some, therefore, that he meant to say, If you have the smallest or feeblest faith that is genuine, you can do all things. Like Ranjan i have finally really really understood the meaning of this parable, thanks to your simple yet deep analysis of this great parable. 7:16). It is enlighenning and informative to realize what ones faith in Christ can achieve if well nourished and nurtured. them. Small yet resilient, powerful, strong. I put my hand out and it was a little square paper with a mustered seed tapped all around it. God bless you and I look forward to increasing my faith in God and my abilities and talents… imagery in John to describe His death and resurrection: Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:24). In other words, faith allows us to remain rooted and grounded even in 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes, Why The Pastor’s Wife Is Essential To The Pastorate, How Christians Can Celebrate Thanksgiving Day (Every Day), Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies – Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure – Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island – Movie Review. The tree can grow in arid, dry climates and thrive even in clay or sandy soil. Please advise, I had never studied the mustard seed before. was great. Hi Jack, the article is powerful 5 year later and counting! expression comes after the disciples were unable to cast out a demon. To God be the glory & thanks to you. Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Advertise. The analogy you presented between the mustard said and our faith (grows in drought, in wet…etc.) The tree can produce edible salts, some have used the small branches as toothbrushes, the leaves have been shown to prevent tooth decay and alleviate tooth aches. Thanks for stopping by! So I must know it is His will. In order to grasp the full meaning of the phrase, In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, “Because you have so little faith. Surely this Robert. Is He not God and being God, is He not all powerful? May God bless you more & more to make people understand His words in simple way. The seed has GREAT FAITH!!!! I thank God for directing me to this message. In Matthew, the Yours in Christ, Even though I have never seen Jesus, I know that He exists and He is there for us. It made be think that it’s not how much faith we have, but in Whom our faith is placed, that makes the difference. Thank you so much Rebecca. The seed never doubts that it will grow up to out size all other seeds that we plant in our gardens. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Such a faith often I admit it is hard to believe when we can’t see something but I must believe in Him…even though my eyes don’t see Him. Powerful article brother. It would be like in the original Greek for either gospel. Now, I can preach well about faith like mustard seed. has in mind much more than size. We could also describe such a faith as one that bears fruit (see Matthew The fact is that it is almost the smallest seed there is for a tree and it is so amazing that the tiny mustard seed produces a tree, not a tiny plant like many believe. Wearing a mustard seed represents an understanding of the growth that can take place as one learns to have faith and believe. For now, remember this: the mustard seed’s faith was not defined by its small size. My eyes that may not see Him must succumb to my head knowledge and heart knowledge that He is there nonetheless. I am so touched with this message. Use the mind that God gave you ! Seeds have the power to remake the worlds around If it has any faith ,that faith would fill it up !!! So, faith that is effective is a faith that is You are welcome to use an shortened version and give the author credit. I loved the information you provided on the Mustard seed as it helped so much to understand better what Jesus said. Holy Spirit that through you moves the mountain, NOT the amount of faith you have (in yourself to do it), therefore the amount of faith is irrelevant and your abilities are irrelevant, that’s why the Lord says you only need the tiniest bit of faith, you just need enough faith to believe that God can do it, therefore faith is not the determining factor to move the mountain. In Jewish literature, because of its size, the mustard seed is frequently used to refer to smallness. Many times Jesus told them:eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-box-4','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])); “You of little faith, why are you so afraid” (Matt 8:26)? It has been supposed by others, therefore, to mean, If you have increasing, expanding, enlarged faith, growing and strengthening from small beginnings, you can perform the most difficult undertaking. { 37 comments… read them below or add one }, Jack, Thanks brother. A native of Topsfield, Massachusetts, he graduated from Brown University in 2004 with a degree in classics and history. I need, in my life faith as a mustard seed. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/StephenBeale1, The Eucharist: Comfort for Those Who Mourn. There are two differences with a mustard seed. It’d be immediately swept away. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31)? A very small amount of faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, can move mountains. I need more of your spirit-led articles. To be sure, faith the size of a mustard seed was better than no faith at all. First, it is a life-giving force. And believe this or not, Pastor, this is the FIRST TIME I ever truly understood this Parable of Jesus! Thank you Rajulas. In Jesus’ day, the mustard seed was used proverbially to represent the smallest of things. and 1 Peter 3:18). The Mustard Seed parable is found in Matthew 13:31,32 and Mark 4:30–32. forgiveness each time, to which the disciples respond with a request to Billy Graham noted, “Faith is the avenue of salvation. Not intellectual understanding. The picture part is the mustard seed that grows into a large plant, the reality part is the kingdom of God, and the point of comparison is the growth of the kingdom from small beginnings. No, as Isaiah wrote, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Wellman am from UGANDA 16 yrs and hoping that someday i will be able to elaborate Gods message to people like this. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches’” (Matthew 13:31-32). Take a look at this article to see what else the Bible has to say about faith: From the Muck and Mire to a Higher Calling, Bible Story Quiz: 20 “Name That Story” Trivia Questions. Request permission to use the mustard seed information on our Bible study website. living, that is a faith that has works, since Scripture defines a dead faith as Water sustains life. Just like a mustard seed! Listen to God. A mustard seed is only 1 to 2 millimeters which is about 1/64th of an inch! A muster seed, even with today’s science CAN NOT be changed by another seed like other seeds can. I have since developed my personal and family motto: “I am a MUSTARD seed”. See more ideas about Faith, Bible verses, Words. As small as a mustard seed is, it can grow into a 20ft tree. That is the Belief that we need to have that was once delivered to the Qodeshiym (Set-Apart Ones) and not mixed the True Original Belief with the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans that has hybrid the truth and can only bring death. We too have a mentoring program sort of like a discipling of others so may God richly bless you in this growing in His grace and in His knowledge for His glory. So Jesus is not let’s first take a look at it as it appears in Matthew and Luke. Even though faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, your faith is not supposed to remain the same size, it is supposed to grow. If you like what you're reading, you can get free daily updates through the RSS feed here. Plant name: black mustard (Sinapis nigra or Brassica nigra) Plant type: annual, dicotyledon Average size of seed: 1–2 millimeters (about .05 inch) Average size of plant: 1–2 meters (about 3–6 feet) high, though under certain conditions it can sometimes grow to be 3–5 meters (about 10–15 feet) high or more, and just as wide Facts about Mustard Seeds If it is present at all, it is enough for miracles. Thank Brother. I can only reflect any worth of this to the Lord and God to Whom I serve and to Him be all the glory. Even if it’s 1/64th of an inch. The God who is present everywhere absent nowhere. Let me add a revelation to this comparison that Holy Spirit gave me recently. Wow! The mustard seed has the “faith of God ” built into it. Mustard Seed The seeds of a mustard plant. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17:6). The mustard seed, i never knew the meaning now my ears are opened spiritually & physically let the good God shower u with more days to win more souls like mine in Jesus name. #3 “if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,” Genuine faith is either present, or it is not. Thank you Patty. Even the disciples who spent three years with Jesus had difficulty in believing. Download our printable message script and watch the teaching example video below. Spirit (see Luke 9:23, faith, Brother…. Because of your little faith. He is a former news editor at GoLocalProv.com and was a correspondent for the New Hampshire Union Leader, where he covered the 2008 presidential primary. The Object is Jesus Christ Who is God:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',118,'0','0'])); That’s why only a tiny bit of faith can go a long, long way. This is a phrase used by Jesus whenever he wanted to emphasize an important point. We will see Him someday. Read them in the archive below. Many non-believers have criticized Jesus by saying that the mustard seed is not the smallest of seeds, but the fact is Jesus never said the mustard seed was the smallest, but was one of the smallest. It symbolizes faith, God's Kingdom, humble beginnings or change. Bible Verses, Quotes, Christian Answers, Songs and More. It is all because of Him. A faith that starts small but reaches out to many. Second, that small seed grows into a very large =-). It is not so much about your mustard-seed-faith as it is about knowing and trusting the power, the DUNAMIS, that operates through you, i.e. But Jesus is saying it’s But less attention is given to the second That made me think so hard on how no one knew and he only brought me something back, and of all things it was a mustered seed! We know that this statement about moving mountains and … It's based on Luke 17:1-5 where Jesus talks about the great power even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. GOD BLESS YOU. Rather, the faith of a mustard seed is revealed by what it does with the little that it has. I too have been guilty of having little faith and I am not proud to admit that. God indeed bless your ministry more and more. trees have fruit.). If you have had problems with your faith, you’re not alone. Not because it’s so Mustard trees have been found in various locations throughout the world. The Lost Riches of Catholic Catechisms with Aaron Seng of Tradivox, The Catholic Faith in Public Life After the 2020 Election with Derek Rotty, We Can Spiritually Grow Together While Social Distancing | Simone Rizkallah. It has been supposed by some, therefore, that he meant to say, If you have the smallest or feeblest faith that is genuine, you can do all things. But a larger truth behind this: Thank you so much Robert. There is a principle of vitality in the grain of seed stretching forward to great results, which illustrates the nature of faith. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! That is what faith is all about. I will use this in my small group life coaching and mentoring. I might shorten it retaining its content. “Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread” (Matthew 16:8)? (Never too late to learn, are we? Pretty amazing Megan. You are ever the encourager my good friend. In fact, when I show a lack of faith I miss out on a blessing. Thank you Mr. Hopkins for your kind words sir…you are an encouragement to me. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. The words “as small as” are NOT in the original text. Remind you I never told him i was having trouble finding faith or the lord and my husband works with him off and on through the church and not even my husband knows I am having difficulties . No changing or wavering in your faith like a mustard seed never changes or weavers it will always be a mustard seed that grows into a mustard tree. It is exiting to note how symbolic the mustard is. But if you will put that little faith in the person of Jesus, your ...read more Please do pray for me. the tree to take hold of. Thank you brother… i will be preaching this Sunday about faith.. great insights… truly wisdom from God. His books are include: “Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children,“ “Do Babies Go To Heaven?/Why Does God Allow Suffering?,“ "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible.". For it Now at the age of 61 + years, I could know the meaning of the “Mustard seed” example. I am so glad you liked this but all glory is to Christ and to Him alone. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed (Matt. We will cite your work. 13:31). Both translations read ‘faith the size of a mustard seed’ but the word size or its equivalent does not … And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. This tiny “seed” would never stop growing and when the King of this Kingdom comes to rule in power on earth, it will apparently continue to grow for ever and ever. He said just a little bit a faith can help move mountains. have used the metaphor of a grain of sand or dust, but He didn’t. It was used as a spice. While the disciples do have faith, it has not yet achieved even the figurative “size” of the smallest of seeds. Dependence Both translations read ‘faith the size of a mustard seed’ but the word size or its equivalent does not appear I must believe with the eyes of faith. The mustard seed is about the size of the head of a pin. Man of God,since i got yr site i am so blessed bcos every day i grow spiritually. © Copyright 2020 Catholic Exchange. How do you water your faith? And with a diameter of 1 to 2 millimeters, it’s a fitting illustration! I remember as a child & early teens, because of my low self-esteem, my Dad used this Passage (Matthew 17:20.) He did his graduate work at Moody Theological Seminary. Resources – New International Version Bible (NIV) THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. Greetings to you there in Uganda from America. Mustard seed in the context of the Bible is the kingdom of God likened to the size of the seed in the beginning, proverbially small, which then grows into a tree with full branches, just like how the kingdom of God has spread all over the world through the Gospel (Bible) and … Nicely done. Incidentally, the mustard tree has many uses. I had asked my pastor how did you know and he said “I was led!” I was shocked!!! Nothing, for what do I have that I did not receive (1 Cor 4) and to truly, all glory goes to God our Lord. The mustard-seed produced the largest of all herbs. Luke 17:5-10 . His areas of interest include Eastern Christianity, Marian and Eucharistic theology, medieval history, and the saints. It is presented without elaboration, a bare comparison that’s pregnant with possible meaning, and the interpretive task is left to the listener. Faith Like a Mustard Seed . PS…your website looks terrific. We need to be more aware of what our rational minds should see, not just listen to teachers. So faith, rather than being a force that I use, faith is simply confidence in God, in His grace, His love, His mercy, trusting in Him. It appears that this Kingdom will expand for all eternity and perhaps into the entire universe…all from one of the tiniest (most humble) of beginnings.