A mustard seed faith devotional encourages anyone who feels their faith is too small. In Matthew 17:20 (ESV), Jesus says if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, it can move mountains. The power is not in the size of your faith but in the greatness of your God.
Key Verse
“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”” (Matthew 17:20, ESV)
Down From the Mountain
This saying in Matthew 17 follows the Transfiguration. Jesus had taken three disciples up a mountain where his glory shone and the Father’s voice spoke. Meanwhile the other disciples waited below. A father brought his son, who suffered terribly from seizures, and the disciples could not heal him.
When Jesus came down, the father knelt before him and explained what had happened. Jesus healed the boy instantly. Later, in private, the disciples asked why they had failed. They had been given authority before and had seen success. Perhaps they had begun to rely on their own experience rather than on God. Jesus’ answer pointed them back to simple trust in him.
A Failed Attempt
This saying came after the disciples failed to heal a boy suffering from a spirit. They asked Jesus why they could not do it. He answered, because of your little faith. Then he surprised them by saying that faith as small as a mustard seed is enough.
The problem was not quantity but the object and reality of their faith.
Small Seed, Big Results
The mustard seed was proverbially tiny, yet it grows into a large plant. Jesus uses it to show that genuine faith, even small, connects us to God’s unlimited power. Faith is like a channel. A small pipe connected to a great reservoir can carry much water.
Moving mountains was a figure of speech for overcoming great obstacles.
Faith in God, Not in Faith
Some people treat faith as a force they must pump up to get results. Jesus points to God. Faith matters because it trusts him. You do not need to manufacture enormous confidence. You need to bring your small faith to a big God.
This is not a promise that God will do whatever we command. Faith submits to God’s will and wisdom.
When Faith Feels Small
If your faith feels tiny, do not despair. Bring it to Jesus. Pray like the father in Mark 9 who said, I believe; help my unbelief. God honors honest, small faith and helps it grow.
Mountains Today
What mountains are you facing? Illness, addiction, a broken relationship, fear, financial trouble? Bring them to God in prayer, trusting his power and goodness.
Planting Small Seeds of Faith
Mustard seed faith grows through small, ordinary acts of trust. Begin by praying specifically about one hard situation each day this week. You do not need eloquent words. Simply tell God what you are facing and ask him to act according to his will.
Then look for ways to obey in small things. Forgive someone. Give a little more than feels comfortable. Speak a kind word about Jesus to a friend. These small seeds may not look like much, but God delights to grow them. Over time, you may find that mountains you thought were permanent have begun to move, or that God has given you strength to climb them.
Today, Try This
Write down one mountain you are facing, and pray over it daily this week, bringing your small faith to God’s great power.
Reflection Question
What mountain are you facing that you need to bring to God in faith, however small?
Prayer
Lord, my faith often feels small. Thank you that even mustard-seed faith connects me to your great power. Help me trust you with the mountains in my life. Grow my faith, and let me see your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 17:20 mean?
In Matthew 17:20 (ESV), Jesus teaches that even small, genuine faith in God can accomplish what seems impossible, because the power comes from God, not the size of our faith.
How small is a mustard seed?
The mustard seed Jesus referred to was known as one of the smallest seeds commonly sown in Israel. Its tiny size makes it a striking picture of how small faith can lead to great results through God’s power.
Does mustard seed faith mean God will do anything I ask?
No. Faith trusts God’s will and wisdom. Jesus’ teaching shows God’s power is available to genuine faith, but answers come according to his good purposes, not as a guarantee of every request.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: the parables of Jesus
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Transfiguration Devotional (devotional)
- Related: Parable of the Mustard Seed Meaning (Matthew 13)
- Related: Bible Verses About Faith: Hebrews 11 and More
- Related: Devotional on Dying to Self: A Grain of Wheat (John 12:24)