As small as a mustard seed

Often when Jesus preached and taught he was surrounded by a crowd. He certainly did not have access to microphones or speakers, not to mention the internet tools we have now. So it maybe that some of those farther back did not hear what he was saying. It may have been that later on those closer to the front were able to share what they had heard and because Jesus used such familiar objects and taught in parables they were able to impart his message to others.

In one instance he used the example of the lowly mustard seed. His disciples had been unable to heal an epileptic child. The distraught father brought the child to Jesus. He rebuked the devil - the false belief in disease - and it departed out of him and he was cured from that very hour.  The disciples took Jesus aside and asked him why they had been unable to accomplish this healing.  His response was, "Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you." (Matt 17:18-20)

Faith as small as a mustard seed. The mustard seed is no larger than a dot made by a pencil. The largeness of a plant grown from seeds so small illustrates the increase of the kingdom of heaven from a very small beginning. The mustard plant Jesus referred to grew wild in that area attaining a height of a horse and rider. Birds rested on its branches.

Even a tiny quality of faith is sufficient to accomplish grand results. It includes within itself the potential for growth, expansion, and fulfillment. A full expectancy. The kind of faith required to move mountains must include an expectancy of results. It is more than a passive belief or blind hope.

How does a seed develop into a full grown plant? It grows into that particular plant because its identity is already within. Man, made in the image and likeness of God as explained in Genesis One, includes everything he needs with a unique spiritual identity already complete.

You might feel your faith is small and it is hard to glimpse the possibility of healing through spiritual power alone. Through study and prayer, that prayer that acknowledges the allness of God, good, you grow into understanding. Truth is revealed and any false suggestions or illusions fade away.

Seed of faith
Matthew 13:31,32
Virginia Young Townsend
June 2, 1986 Sentinel

Tiny see of mustard plant,
who would have thought
you would have caught
the Master's eye,
to give a lesson to all mankind?

When sown, you spread your branches wide
where fowl or coney may abide
under the shadow you provide.

Like you, our mustard seed of faith,
though beginning small, must grow,
sown in Mind, its branches spread and flourish.
Each tender thought to humbly feed and nourish
not only self but all mankind.