October 19, 2025
Luke 17:5–10 ESV
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”
Discussion Questions:
Jesus continues the lesson of giving a balanced view of discipleship by contrasting perspectives. He is giving us each side of the same coin.
1) Verses 5,6: Describe the type and power of faith expected of disciples.
2) Verses 7-10: While a disciple is developing the proper faith, what attitude is expected of him?
Discussion Summary:
Question 1: We know that in one sense faith is a character trait that is developed over time (Galatians 5:22; Colossians 2:6; James 1:2,3.) But in this text Jesus is presenting faith from a different angle. In verses 5,6 we see the Christian’s faith in the power of God to transform one’s life. Faith allows the power of God to work in us, developing us into an image of Christ. So even a small seed (the human capacity for faith) opens up the heart to the great power of the Holy Spirit to transform (Romans 12:2). With this perspective a tree that is difficult to even uproot would be able to thrive in a condition that is foreign to its nature. This a compelling picture of the Christian life.
Question 2: In verses 7-10 we see the perspective that even someone with that great power working in them should have of themselves. The true Christian needs to be humble and obedient in order to continue in this transformation process. We must always remember that we come from a condition of sin that is only covered by God’s mercy and Jesus’ salvation by the cross (Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus speaks of the servant-like attitude required of Christians in Matthew 20:25-28. Paul speaks of the proper attitude towards the reward for faithfulness in 1 Corinthians 9:16-18.
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