A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

LITTLENESS OF FAITH      

Matthew 17:20-21 (Read verses 14-21) “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.” 

Jesus’ disciples were not unbelievers. There were, however, a number of times when their faith was not as strong as was needed. Today’s devotional verse includes one of the times when their faith was less than was needed. A man came to them asking them to heal his son by casting out the demon that possessed him. The disciples were unable to do so. 

The man went to Jesus begging Him to heal his son. Jesus did what the man requested. His son was healed. This miracle caused the disciples to ask Jesus why they had been unable to perform this miracle. Jesus replied it was because the Greek word says the, “littleness of faith.”   

Think about the times in your life when you have been confronted with a need that caused you to panic, worry, fret and perhaps even despair. You know Jesus has promised to be with you always and that He has all power over heaven and earth. You know God’s word says to you that He has all power. You know the Scriptures tell you to take all of your burdens and give them to Jesus who will carry them for you. Then why do you panic, worry, fret and despair? The answer is at that moment in that situation you are afflicted with littleness of faith. 

In today’s devotional verses, Jesus tells you as He did His disciples, “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.” Afterall, Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 

Prayer: Lord, send Your Holy Spirit into my heart to strengthen my faith in You. Amen. 

With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.  
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.  
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,  
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. 

Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.  
On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.  
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,  
Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you. 

With your Savior at your side, Foes need not alarm you;  
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.  
All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Maker,  
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster. 

If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,  
Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing,  
Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;  
You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder. 

Thus, Lord Jesus, ev’ry task Be to You commended;  
May Your will be done, I ask, Until life is ended.  
Jesus, in Your name begun Be the day’s endeavor;  
Grant that it may well be done To Your praise forever. 

With the Lord Begin Your Task // LSB 869