Small As a Mustard Seed

Date: February 2, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Matthew 17:20

"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.'"

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your word and the guidance it provides in our daily lives. I pray that you would give me a mustard seed sized faith, so that I can believe that nothing will be impossible for me. Help me to trust in your power and to use this verse in my daily life.

Grant me the courage to speak to the mountains in my life and trust that you will move them, just as the verse says. I want to live a life of faith and to see your hand at work in my life. Thank you for your love and grace. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

Matthew wrote his gospel account around AD 50-60, primarily for a Jewish audience who were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures.

Matthew's gospel provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This particular verse is part of a larger narrative in which Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the power of faith.

Jesus is emphasizing the importance of having faith in him and his power, even if that faith is as small as a mustard seed. The verse serves as a reminder of the immense power that is available to those who have faith in God and trust in his abilities to work in their lives.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"Little faith": Refers to the lack of confidence or trust in Jesus and his abilities. The disciples had just failed to heal a boy with a demon and were feeling discouraged. Jesus is encouraging them to have more faith.

"Mustard seed": A small seed used as an example of something small but with the potential for growth. In this case, Jesus is saying that even a small amount of faith has the potential for great things.

"Move from here to there": Refers to the power of faith to accomplish great things. Jesus is saying that if the disciples had enough faith, they could speak to a mountain and it would move from one place to another.

"Nothing will be impossible for you": Emphasizes the limitless potential of faith. With faith in Jesus, nothing is impossible and all things are possible.

Summarize and Share

I have a feeling that most of us struggle with fear, doubt, or a lack of confidence in our daily life. I know I do! The disciples in Matthew 17 faced similar struggles, but Jesus reminds us that even a small amount of faith can overcome these obstacles and bring about great things.

I’m going to give you a couple of ways that we can actually live this verse daily.

First, we need to pray and trust in God's power and control over every aspect of your life on a daily basis. When we are faced with a difficult situation or problem, instead of focusing on the problem, focus on God's ability to solve it. Believe that with faith in Jesus, nothing will be impossible for you.

Second, you can speak positively and confidently, as if the solution or outcome you desire is already a reality. When you speak with faith and trust, your words have the power to bring about change and move mountains in your life.

And lastly, take action on your faith. Trust that God is working in your life and take steps towards the solution or outcome you desire, even if it seems impossible. Remember, with faith, nothing is impossible.

Today, take a step towards living this verse out in your daily life. Trust in God's power and control, speak positively and confidently, and take action on your faith. Let's move mountains together!

Bible Cross Reference

The cross-references below offer additional perspectives and insights on the power of faith in our lives and the importance of trusting in God's abilities. They remind us that faith is a critical aspect of our relationship with God and that even small amounts of faith can bring about great things.

Mark 11:23 - "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them."

Luke 17:6 - "He replied, '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."

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

James 2:19 - "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."