PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 17

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…” Matthew 17:20
Jesus seems excessively harsh in his response to this man.
He does not address the man, but to his generation, the people of that day.
He notes their lack of faith and their distorted thinking.
When I read this, it makes me wonder what Jesus knew, and we don’t.
“How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (Matthew 17:17)
Jesus is frustrated that the people of that day seem so slow to understand.
Despite all his demonstrations of God’s amazing, gracious love, they still hesitate.
It is as if they just cannot accept that God would be so good, so loving.
Am I lacking confidence in God’s love?
Are my thoughts about God and Jesus distorted?
The disciples also had “little faith”, but He is patient with them.
Even their “faith as small as a mustard seed” is enough for God to use.
I am encouraged that Jesus does stay with us, and put up with us a long time!
Jesus’s love is stronger than my mustard seed faith; He will still work to help me!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I admit my weak and distorted faith and my need for mercy. I trust your amazing grace and patience for me, and that you will work in my life through my tiny faith.