Luke 17 - 18

Mustard Seed And An Unjust Judge

Note: This is posted early for Monday's reading.

Today's reading has two parables that are radically different yet deal with the same subject: faith. Faith is a quality that the disciples did not seem to possess while Jesus was with them.  A careful reading of the four Gospels will show that Jesus never complimented the disciples for manifesting faith.  He complimented others-the Roman centurion and the woman with the blood issue are two examples-but there is not a recorded instance of Jesus ever bragging on the disciple's faith.  Many times they were completely unaware that faith was available to them-for example when Jesus fed the 5000 and the 4000 and when Jesus was sleeping on the boat and the storm arose.

In chapter 17 verse 5, the disciples make this request, "Show us how to increase our faith."  This request is predicated on the idea that they have faith since they specifically ask the Lord to increase their faith.  Jesus' response addresses this issue.  He explains that faith is like mustard seed, i.e. extremely small and not in need of increasing.  With "mustard seed faith" one can command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and moved.  Mulberry trees live for many years and develop extensive root systems, so this would have to be a miracle and require God's intervention.

He then remind's them that they are His servants (vs.7-10) and, as servants, they should be happy to serve him and expect no reward.  I believe Jesus states this to show that there is no causal relationship between our good deeds and our faith.  Faith comes by hearing God's Word and totally committing to Him and obeying His will.

In chapter 18, the Lord opens with a parable about an unjust judge. The man does not sound pleasant and is not the type of man to put up with nonsense.  However, in the parable, a woman pesters him for a judgement to the point that he can no longer take the annoyance. To get some peace, he renders a judgement in her favor (v.5). The Lord likens the woman's continuous efforts to faith, explaining that even an unjust man is moved by this. He then asks (v.8), "When the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on earth who have faith?"

These two parables are a challenge to the believer. We must have faith.  We must manifest our faith. We must not be shy about asking for the impossible. We must be persistent asking that the Lord render a judgement in our favor.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.