When Your Faith Falls Short
Matthew 17:14–20
The subject and doctrine of faith are central to a Christian’s life and the biblical story. I’ve described the Bible as a large woven cloth made up of many different threads. Some threads stand out more than others, and faith is one of those main colors you can’t avoid seeing when studying God’s Word.
As a dominant theme, it also serves as the basis for extensive debate, discussion and interpretation within various Christian circles. One common misconception is that with enough faith, anything can be achieved. The mistake in that belief is focusing on the one believing rather than the Author of our faith. The real power of faith comes from Christ, not our determination or self-will.
We are helpless when we do not rely on Jesus. (14–16)
I’m at an age where I need to work a little harder to navigate technology these days. I’m not too happy that it takes two remote controls to operate my television, my smartphone is smarter than I am and my vehicle warns me if I drift too far from my driving lane.
My daughters are quick to help and probably think I’m a dinosaur. I rely on them often. How often do you depend on Jesus each day? We are helpless without Him. Our biggest failures are often the result of attempting to live a faithful Christian life without the help of Jesus. It is not possible. We must remain close to and dependent on Christ if we desire a life that pleases Him.
Doubt often reflects a life of faith. (17–18)
It may shock you to read these verses in the tone of Jesus. He seems frustrated and impatient. In a way, He is. Additionally, He is disappointed in the lack of faith He encounters. There is a question to contemplate here: Is Jesus referring to the unbelief of the disciples or the crowd? I am inclined to believe He is referring specifically to the disciples as part of the broader condition of all people.
Doubts are not always dangers in the life of a disciple, but they should be brought to Jesus. If left unchecked, the enemy can use doubt as fertile ground for unbelief and also for ineffectiveness. Be honest about your doubts and bring them to Jesus.
Even a little faith is great when it looks to Jesus. (19–20)
These words are often used when discussing the size or extent of a person’s faith. You probably recognize the common application that most preachers or teachers use, often with the mustard seed analogy. When you focus only on how small the mustard seed is, you miss a larger truth you might not have considered before. Mustard seeds, like all seeds, are meant to grow. If our faith is alive — even if it’s small — it can increase. When you nurture and care for your faith through dependence and trust, it will respond and grow. Faith needs cultivation, and that takes time.
Faith is active and continually seeking Jesus and His promises. It is not something to be conjured up or manufactured on our own. Faith is the belief in and the assurance of the power and faithfulness of Christ. Don’t measure your faith in comparison to the size of a mustard seed — measure it by your trust in Him.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
