Understanding Jesus Call to Faith in the Bible

The Significance of Faith in Christ's Teachings

Throughout his teachings, Jesus often referred to the concept of faith, particularly when addressing his disciples. The phrase 'you have little faith' is one of the recurring phrases in the Gospels, particularly in relation to the disciples. However, it's important to understand the context and the true meaning behind these statements.

Context of the Statement

In one instance, the disciples expressed their need for increased faith to Jesus, according to Luke 17:5-6. Jesus responded by saying, 'if you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be pulled up and planted in the sea," and it will obey you.' This is often misunderstood as suggesting that faith can perform supernatural acts such as moving mountains. However, Jesus was actually challenging the disciples to recognize that their faith was lacking and that even a small amount of faith could be sufficient to achieve great spiritual goals.

Implication of 'Little Faith'

When Jesus referred to the disciples as having 'little faith,' he was not saying that faith as a concept was something to be dismissed or minimized. Instead, he was indicating that the disciples lacked the trust and belief in his authority and divinity. In the passage from Luke, their request for increased faith suggests a deeper understanding that their current state of faith was insufficient.

Jesus did not claim to be able to provide faith when it didn't exist. The true source of faith is divine—God's grace works in our hearts. Human nature, in itself, is inherently spiritually dead due to our sins and transgressions. This is why the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1, 'And you were dead in the transgressions and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are doomed to disobedience.'

Understanding the Mustard Seed Metaphor

The metaphor of faith as a mustard seed is used by Jesus to illustrate that even a small amount of faith can grow and yield great results. In the Kingdom of God, a tiny seed can grow into a large tree. This is analogous to how even a small amount of faith can lead to immense spiritual growth and transformation. When Jesus said, 'if you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be pulled up and planted in the sea," and it will obey you,' he was demonstrating that the power of faith is not limited to the physical realm but operates in the spiritual realm as well.

It's important to distinguish between physical and spiritual realms. In the spiritual realm, faith can indeed perform what might seem like 'physical' miracles. In the hands of a person with genuine, saving faith, anything is possible. This faith comes from a divine source and enables individuals to believe in the goodness and grace of God for their salvation.

The Importance of Trust and Belief

Jesus' call to faith is a call to trust and believe. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus states, 'Because you have so little faith. 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.' This passage emphasizes that faith is not about physical ability but about trust in God's power and will.

When Jesus spoke of faith, he was always referring to spiritual faith—faith in him, his teachings, and his promises. Faith is not something that can be conjured up by willpower alone; it is a gift from God. It is the belief in divine grace and the power of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. In Mark 9:24, a man cries out, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.' This is a profound recognition of the gap between our faith and God's expectation.

Conclusion

Understanding Jesus' calls to faith is crucial for comprehending his teachings and the nature of salvation. Faith, as illustrated by the metaphor of the mustard seed, is a small yet powerful gift that can grow into something incredibly transformative. When the disciples had 'little faith,' it wasn’t about their inability to perform physical miracles but their lack of trust and belief in Jesus’ authority and divinity. This faith is not something we can generate on our own; it is a gift from God that enables us to trust in the goodness and grace of God for our salvation.