THE SEND: Luke & ActsSample

What first comes to mind when you think of the word faith? Is it believing in the right things? Believing hard enough? Trusting God?

In Luke 16-17, Jesus’ parables and teachings challenge us to rethink what faith really is.

Faith means trusting God

It’s measured by who he is, not by how much of it we have.

When his disciples ask for their faith to be increased in 17:5, he says they only need faith “as small as a mustard seed.” Mustard seeds are absolutely tiny, but when they’re planted, they can grow into shrubs up to 3 meters tall. No wonder Jesus says that people with even the smallest amount of faith can ask for something as wild as a tree being uprooted and planted in the sea!

Jesus isn’t looking for people who feel full of faith or would call themselves spiritual experts. Biblical faith isn’t about how strong you are—it’s about how strong the one you’re trusting in is.

Faith means that you live in light of eternity

The parable of the shrewd manager (16:1-12) isn’t the easiest to understand, but one thing is clear: he knew what was about to happen to him (losing his job) and he acted with wisdom (making friends). He knew what was about to happen, and he changed his priorities.

Jesus contrasts this with a man who didn’t live with eternity in mind. The rich man in the second parable (Luke 16:19-31) enjoyed a life of comfort, but didn’t think about his eternal future. After death, he realizes too late that his choices mattered. But he can no longer help himself or his family.

Faith gives us the perspective to live now in light of forever.

Faith demands a response

It’s not just thinking the right things but living as if the truth is really true.

Imagine having a disease that leaves you not just in pain, but completely shunned by your community. That’s what life was like for people with leprosy. Now imagine being completely healed. How would you feel?!

In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy—but only one returns to thank him. Just one.

Earlier in Luke 16, Jesus said that being a person of faith means being trustworthy and grateful for whatever God gives us, even the small things. He even says in 16:10 that if you are not faithful with small things, how will you be entrusted with big things?

How is God speaking to you today? Is it about putting your full trust in who he says he is, even when you feel small? Is it about living with eternity in mind? Is it about letting your actions line up with what you say you believe?

Take a moment in prayer and ask God: “What does it look like for me to put my faith into practice today?”