Jesus said faith big as a mustard seed was all they needed (Luke 17:5). An observant Bible student noted the story behind Jesus' mustard seed promise. Jesus' friends were struggling. He asked them to forgive someone 8 times in 1 day. This was too hard (Luke 17:4). Anyone who's ever been betrayed knows the struggle to forgive. Jesus friends felt a need to grumble--this call to forgive is hard; it's truly impossible without God. Forgiveness means surrendering your anger and whatever you hold over another. Still their Lord spoke boldly--all they needed was the faith of a little seed.

A great story of saving faith comes from the cross. 3 men were crucified. Jesus was in the middle. One harassed Jesus (Luke 23:39-41). But the other was saved by faith. His trust in Jesus opened the way to paradise (Luke 23:42-43). Trust in God is enough.(John 20:30-31). Like the ancient prophet said to the nation of Israel,
Look at the proud!We strive for ways to be more righteous and honorable. We strive to be all the more deserving of God's grace and love. And all Jesus asks of us is the faith of a little seed--God will provide the rest.
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith (Habakkuk 2:4 NRSV)
Peace and thank for reading, John
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