What is the difference between little faith and small faith (Matthew 17:14–21)?
Little faith manifests not just a deficiency in the quantity of faith but points to a failure to trust in God’s promises and power in critical moments.
In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 17:14–21, we find a poignant teaching from Jesus regarding faith. In this passage, the narrative revolves around a desperate father seeking healing for his demon-possessed son and the disciples’ inability to cast out the demon. When Jesus is confronted with the situation, He critiques the faith of His disciples, referring to it as "little faith" in some translations. This leads to a deeper exploration of what "little faith" and "small faith" mean in a biblical context and how they apply to the lives of believers today.
The Context of Matthew 17:14–21
After the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, He and His disciples came down to a chaotic scene. A father approaches Jesus, pleading for help because his son is afflicted by a demon that causes seizures, often putting him in life-threatening situations. The disciples had attempted to perform an exorcism but were unsuccessful, which prompted the father to seek out Jesus.
Upon witnessing the father's anguish and the disciples' failure, Jesus expresses His frustration. He exclaims, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?" After healing the boy, the disciples privately inquire why they couldn't cast out the demon. Jesus responds, “Because of your little faith... For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed...” This passage not only highlights the power and necessity of faith but also sets the stage for understanding the difference between little faith and small faith.
Little Faith: An Attitude Issue
"Little faith," as used by Jesus, signifies an attitude problem more than a mere measure of belief. When He addresses His disciples as possessing "little faith," He does not invalidate their belief, but rather critiques their lack of confidence and reliance on God's power. This illustrates that faith can sometimes be present in a person’s life but is insufficiently strong or tenacious. Little faith often reflects doubt and uncertainty, suggesting a failure to fully trust in God’s capabilities.
In context, the disciples had witnessed numerous miracles performed by Jesus, yet their inability to cast out the demon indicated a lack of deeper understanding of the authority bestowed upon them through Jesus. Little faith manifests not just a deficiency in the quantity of faith but points to a failure to trust in God’s promises and power in critical moments. It calls attention to the disciples’ spiritual immaturity and their struggle with doubt, which can cloud a believer’s ability to act upon their faith.
Small Faith: A Foundation of Belief
On the other hand, "small faith," referring to a humble acknowledgment of belief, captures a different aspect of faith. The idea of a small faith suggests a starting point or the initial stages of trust in God. Jesus uses the metaphor of a mustard seed—a tiny seed that can grow into a large tree—to illustrate that even a small measure of faith can produce significant results when placed in the right context. This is a comforting message for those who may feel inadequate in their spiritual walk.
Small faith does not denote inferiority but rather recognizes that God values even the tiniest expressions of trust. It encourages believers that their faith, no matter how small, has the potential for incredible outcomes. In the context of the broader Christian experience, small faith can grow and mature into a strong, unwavering trust in God through trials, challenges, and personal growth in one's journey of faith.
Overcoming Little Faith with Small Faith
The distinction between little faith and small faith can serve as a powerful reminder for believers today. It underscores the importance of nurturing our faith, regardless of its size. In the face of difficulties—whether personal struggles, medical emergencies, or crises of doubt—believers can find solace in knowing that even a small amount of genuine faith can invite God’s intervention and empower them to face life's challenges.
Rather than allowing little faith to hinder spiritual growth, one can embrace small faith as a starting point, acknowledging that every step taken in trust strengthens the relationship with God. Jesus’ teaching emphasizes that faith is not merely about the amount but about the object of faith. Placing trust in God’s infinite power and goodness, even when our faith feels small, can lead to profound transformations and victories.