The Measure of Faith

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
March 13, 2024
Matthew 9:27-30

I have a dear friend that I enjoy studying the bible with. She encourages me to see things from a different perspective, ideas that if I just kept to myself and my comfort zone I would never see or even attempt to understand. I’ve often admitted that there are many times when I feel as if my faith is weak, that I long to have a greater faith. She responded with a gift: A grain of mustard seed in a little charm on a necklace.

Of course, this got me to thinking about what Jesus told his disciples who wondered why they were not successful in healing a boy who had seizures, and this after some very successful healings before. Matthew quotes Jesus in chapter 17 and verse 20; “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, 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 is impossible for you”.

Obviously, Jesus is using an illustration. I am more and more convinced as I grow in discipleship that the issue here is not how much faith a person has, as if it can be measured on a scale like a commodity. I am seeing a new perspective concerning faith. I believe Jesus is saying either you believe me and trust me, or you don’t, there’s no middle ground. Ouch!

I feel like the father of the little boy that was brought to Jesus for healing. The father in desperation cried out to Jesus; “if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” to this Jesus responds “’If you can’?” said Jesus,’ everything is possible for him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:22-24).

In our main scripture for today Jesus meets two blind men who call out to him; “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”. Jesus looks at them and simply asks; “‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘Yes Lord,’ they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you’; and their sight was restored.” So, I ask you, how much faith do you think you have? How can you know? Does it change from one circumstance to another? This might be a good time to ponder what you understand faith in God to be. Sit still for a bit and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Amen!