Those Who Have Faith Like a Grain of Mustard Seed

Through the parable of the mustard seed and the storm on the sea, this passage deals with the nature and growth of faith. It explains what faith is that looks like a small mustard seed yet can grow into a great tree, and how that faith leads the expansion of the kingdom of God. Through the fear and failure the disciples went through, it also shows that faith can grow by the power of the Holy Spirit even in suffering.

The sermon stresses that the doubts and worries that come when faith is weak are in fact tests for spiritual growth. Rather than turning away from the Word as Judas Iscariot did, the disciples gained assurance of the truth through suffering, repented and grew; through them it leads us to reflect on where our faith is rooted now. It also points out that we need the mission of lifting up the lamp to light the darkness, and the attitude of trusting the Lord's presence and facing things calmly even in the storm.

We consider how the small faith we have can grow into a great tree, and how we can grow in spiritual discernment through suffering.