How further study deepens understanding
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree,
‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
Luke 17:6
Today’s topic may be somewhat familiar to you, but I want to share it anyway as an example of why it’s important to know as much as possible about what you’re reading. When you read the verse above, do you already know what a mustard seed looks like, how it’s used or what it turns into after growing? Similar questions could be posed about the mulberry. If you don’t know, then research it. Chances are, the internet contains the answer, but make sure the source(s) is trustworthy.
Let’s start with the mustard seed. There is a brief parable where Jesus mentioned it (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:19-21). That’s a good place to start – looking for other passages in the Bible that mention whatever the topic is that you are studying.
In these parable passages, Jesus compared His Kingdom as a mustard seed. He told the disciples: “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches”. The Lord’s ministry started out small, but became worldwide.
Further research from other sources helped me to learn more about mustard seeds and why Jesus spoke of them. While the mustard seed is not the smallest seed known to man, it apparently was at the time of Jesus. It is only the size of the head of a pin. However, once it is planted, it can grow as much as ten feet tall. This is large enough for birds to come and perch. One more little tidbit: its leaves were also eaten like we eat greens today.
Now, consider the mulberry tree. It is actually called the black mulberry. Its root system is quite spread out, making it rather difficult to uproot. It is also a strong tree that grows slowly, but lives a long time. It can grow up to 35 feet tall. A similar version of this verse at the top can also be found in Matthew 17:20 and Mark 11:23. But instead of a mulberry tree being moved, it is a full-blown mountain.
Jesus is telling us that all it takes is a little faith in Him to do great things for His glory. For me, it helps to clearly visualize and understand these examples from God’s creation. It makes the verse so much more impactful. I hope it does for you as well.
May the disciples’ simple request in this passage be ours as well:
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Luke 17:5
