Increase our faith

The disciples were often rebuked for having ‘little faith’. In today’s reading the lack is acutely felt by the disciples themselves. What aroused this desire for greater spiritual power and capacity?

The Lord had raised the subject of causing offence, vv. 1, 2, and dispensing forgiveness, vv. 3, 4. Possibly no other subject has caused as much distress among believers. No wonder the disciples felt their need of increased faith!

The word ‘offences’ is literally ‘occasions of stumbling’. The believer will inevitably encounter stumbling blocks, but the Lord severely condemns any who place them in the believer’s path. Some Christians are very easily offended - imagined slights and perceived injuries cause them continual grief - but this is not really what the Lord had in mind. Rather He condemns the deliberate attempt to trip up or impede the progress of a child of God.

In verse 3 the Lord turns from the offender to the offended. The steps are clear: rebuke him and, if he repents, forgive him. The offended believer must, however, maintain a forgiving disposition, regardless of the attitude of the offender. The point here is that forgiveness cannot be enjoyed in reality by the offender until he repents. And the Lord states that forgiveness must be extended without limit, v. 4. ‘Seven times’ refers to complete forgiveness and does not condone refusing to forgive the eighth trespass!

In response to the disciples’ plea the Lord uses the illustration of a mustard seed - incredibly small, but with tremendous potential. Small faith, placed in the Lord, can achieve disproportionately great things. The removal of the sycamine tree illustrates the power of faith: in the context, to forgive my offending brother.

The illustration of the servant and his master, vv. 7-10, teaches that such demands are not unreasonable. We are under obligation to forgive, and in a sense it is our duty. Reflecting on this principle we are reminded of Paul’s words, ‘even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you’, Eph. 4. 32.