What Does “Little Faith” Mean?

Is there such a thing as “great” and “little” faith?

Yes. We see several examples in the Bible. But people often have different opinions about what this means.

Some say, “Even if I only have a tiny bit of faith, like a mustard seed, that’s enough for God.”

But is that really what Scripture says?

In Matthew 17:20 (NKJV), Jesus says:

“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Many teach that this means you only need a tiny amount of faith to move mountains. But is that true?

Let’s look at other places in Scripture that talk about “little” and “great” faith.

When Peter sank in the storm, Jesus said to him in Matthew 14:31 (NKJV):

“O, you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Because Peter had little faith, he sank. Little faith accomplishes nothing; great faith would have kept him walking on the water.

Great faith also resulted in a miracle in Matthew 15:28 (NKJV), when Jesus said to the Syro-Phoenician woman:

“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”

Because of her great faith, her daughter was healed.

So there are different measures of faith. When Jesus says you need faith “as a mustard seed” to move a mountain—to see the miraculous—He means something other than needing just a tiny bit of belief.

Great faith brings great results. Little faith causes you to sink.

So what does faith like a mustard seed really mean? We'll talk more about that tomorrow.

Reflection:

Is your faith often small and shaky, or do you dare to believe big, even when circumstances look like the storm Peter faced?

Prayer:

Father, forgive me where my faith has been small and unstable. Strengthen my trust so I no longer doubt, but grow into great faith that displays Your power. Teach me to see through Your eyes and trust Your Word. Amen.