Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Luke 17:6
Jesus replies with a parabolic challenge: if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can command a sycamore-fig tree to uproot and be planted in the sea. The symbolism matters: a tiny seed can produce mighty outcomes due to God’s power. The “sycamine tree” (often misunderstood as sycamore) is hardy and deeply rooted; uprooting it communicates release from entrenched, stubborn obstacles. The point is not to boast about one’s own faith but to recognize faith’s potency when anchored in God.
The passage reframes faith as confident dependence on God’s ability rather than human maturity. It underscores that even small faith, when directed to God, can accomplish what seems impossible. The verse highlights God’s sovereign power and the courage to act in obedience, trusting Him to do the extraordinary through ordinary people. It also guards against self-reliance: it’s not about the wielder of faith, but about faith in God.
Apply by asking God to empower you for impossible tasks: forgiving deep hurts, praying for healing, or stepping out in Christian witness. Start with small, manageable acts of obedience and watch God work. In communal life, encourage others with small steps of faith—testimonies of small risks that yielded big outcomes can inspire the whole community. Avoid spiritual boasting; give God the credit for any extraordinary results.
Cross-References: Matthew 17:20; Mark 9:23; Hebrews 11:6; James 2:17; Luke 8:25