Miracles – so little faith – Part 1

Do ever feel like you have so little faith? I do. As big as I think my faith is, unbelief is sitting right there with it. Almost mocking it. But today, Jesus wants to give us two miracles. One for us and one for our faith. Be encouraged because as disciples of Jesus Christ, He is still teaching us.

Last week, as we looked at the miracle of Jesus healing the two blind men, we learned that even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed, nothing is impossible. For with God, all things are possible. What a good reminder; it’s the quality of our faith, not the quantity. Even still, Jesus has more for us to learn.

The quote “as small as a mustard seed,” is actually the answer to a question the disciples asked. In Matthew 17:19-20, it reads;

“Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, 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.” 

There are some key facts we need to know in order for us to understand what Jesus is trying to teach us.

1. This story comes right after the Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-13)  They go straight from the mountaintop into the valley. Because, no one can stay on the mountain. We have to come back down to real everyday life. And in life, sometimes things just don’t work out.
2. The disciples did not understand why they could not heal the boy. They wanted to do everything Jesus was doing but they failed. They forgot where their power comes from. Fortunately, Jesus wasn’t done teaching them.
3. Jesus explains, if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can say to this mountain move and it will move. Removing mountains was a Jewish expression for overcoming difficulties in everyday life.

Our faith can overcome our difficulties. 

Today, we get a two for one special. First, we have the miracle of Jesus healing the boy with a demon. Second, we get the miracle of the lesson, as Jesus teaches us what we can do with our “so little faith.” Let’s look at the same story but from Mark 9:17-24;

“Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

¹⁹ “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰ So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

There is so much to learn in this passage, but let’s break it down.

• God will use our failures to demonstrate His glory if we will let Him.
• Even the demons know Jesus by name.
• Jesus has authority and He uses it in every situation He encounters.  We have that same authority. Do we use our authority?
• The man had so little faith that when he asked Jesus for help, he said “if you can…” But, that was enough for Jesus to work with. Faith of a mustard seed is all it takes.
• Jesus reaffirms, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
• The man confesses, “I believe, heal my unbelief.”
• Jesus heals the boy and strengthens the man’s faith. A two-for-one miracle.
• But the disciples still did not understand.

Sometimes, I ask God for really big things. Immediately, I am met with unbelief. Thus begins the back and forth battle in my mind.

Can God do it? Will God do it? Do I believe? Can I believe?

This story comforts and teaches me. God is not in the ‘if’s’ even if we are. Never worry about your faith not being big enough. Just believe. God is The God of possibilities. God does His best work in the improbable. It is that tee-tiny faith, faith small as a mustard seed, that gives us just enough courage to ask God. Faith to ask and belief God can do it! That will get you healed and strengthen your faith all at the same time! God is good! All the time!

So what do you need healing from today? What mountains do you need removed from your life? Can you muster up enough courage to ask God for it and let God do the rest?

Everything is possible if you believe. 

Let us pray;

God, I believe, heal my unbelief. I come to you asking, “if,”  knowing deep down in my soul all things are possible for him who believes. God, I want to believe. Help me believe. Heal me and grow my faith, all at the same time. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M 

P.S. –  Leave me a comment because you  know I love hearing from you. Tell me what you are struggling with so I can believe with you. Forward this message to a friend that might need some encouragement today. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Join me back here next week as we deep dive into this story.