Jesus had powerful things to say about faith—His words reveal that it’s not about the size of your faith, but where you place it. Whether it’s the image of a mustard seed moving mountains or the healing of those who simply believed, Jesus consistently taught that faith, even in small amounts, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. He linked faith with healing, action, persistence, and even salvation, showing us that genuine faith touches every part of life. And when we fix our eyes on Him, as Peter did on the water, our faith helps us rise above life’s storms—even when doubt tries to creep in.
Jesus didn’t just talk about faith; He showed us how it’s meant to work in our everyday lives—through obedience, trust, and persistence. Faith isn’t passive; it’s a foundation we build on and live from. It shapes our prayers, fuels our actions, and gives us strength when life is uncertain. Most importantly, faith in Jesus is the key to eternal life, the very heart of the Gospel. If you’re ready to understand how faith truly works and how it can transform your life from the inside out, keep reading—because what Jesus said about faith might just change everything for you.
When it comes to faith, Jesus had a lot to say. His teachings are foundational to understanding what faith means and how it should be lived out. In this article, we’ll explore Jesus’ words on faith, breaking them down into clear, actionable insights.
The Mustard Seed Faith
One of the most famous teachings of Jesus on faith involves a mustard seed. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Think about that for a moment. A mustard seed is tiny, yet Jesus tells us that even a small amount of faith can achieve the impossible. It’s not the size of your faith that matters but the presence of it. Do you have a little faith? That’s enough to move mountains.
Faith and Healing
Jesus often linked faith with healing. Throughout the Gospels, we see numerous instances where Jesus heals people because of their faith. For example, in Mark 5:34, Jesus tells a woman who had been suffering for twelve years, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
In another instance, in Luke 7:9, Jesus marvels at the faith of a centurion who believes that Jesus can heal his servant just by speaking a word. Jesus says, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that faith doesn’t require physical presence or rituals; it’s about trusting in His power.
Walking on Water
The story of Peter walking on water is another profound lesson on faith. In Matthew 14:29-31, Peter steps out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. As long as he keeps his eyes on Jesus, he walks on water. But the moment he notices the wind and waves and starts to doubt, he begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out to catch him and says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This story illustrates that faith involves keeping our focus on Jesus, even amid life’s storms. Doubt can cause us to sink, but trust keeps us afloat.
Faith Without Doubt
In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus says, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Jesus is teaching that faith must be accompanied by belief and absence of doubt. When you pray, believe that it’s already done. This level of trust and assurance is what Jesus asks of us.
Faith and Obedience
In John 14:12, Jesus makes a profound statement about the connection between faith and obedience. He says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
This highlights that true faith in Jesus results in action. It’s not just about believing in Him but also about doing His works. Our faith should manifest in our actions, mirroring Jesus’ deeds and teachings.
The Power of Persistent Faith
Jesus also teaches about the power of persistent faith through parables. In Luke 18:1-8, He tells the story of a persistent widow who keeps asking a judge for justice. The judge, although unjust, eventually grants her request because of her persistence. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.”
This parable emphasizes the importance of not giving up. Persistent faith, even when it seems like nothing is happening, is powerful and will be rewarded by God.
Faith as a Foundation
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus speaks about the wise and foolish builders. He says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Here, Jesus teaches that faith in Him and His words provides a solid foundation. When your life is built on faith in Jesus, you’re like the wise builder whose house can withstand any storm.
Faith and Salvation
Jesus also makes it clear that faith is the key to salvation. In John 3:16, He says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Believing in Jesus – having faith in Him – is the pathway to eternal life. It’s the cornerstone of Christian belief and the promise of salvation.
Conclusion: Living Out Your Faith
In summary, Jesus’ teachings about faith are profound and multifaceted. They show that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. Faith brings healing, enables us to walk through life’s storms, and should be persistent. True faith is active, obedient, and provides a strong foundation. Most importantly, faith in Jesus is the key to eternal life.
So, how do you live out this faith? Trust in Jesus, even when it’s hard. Keep your eyes on Him, especially during tough times. Be persistent in your prayers and actions. Build your life on His teachings, and remember that your faith, no matter how small, has immense power.
Reflect on Jesus’ words and let them guide you. Faith is not just a concept; it’s a way of life that transforms how you see the world and how you interact with it. Embrace it fully and watch as your life aligns more closely with the incredible promises Jesus spoke of.
FAQs About Jesus’ Teachings on Faith
1. What did Jesus say about the size of faith?
Jesus emphasized that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. In Matthew 17:20, He said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
2. How does Jesus link faith to healing?
Jesus often attributed healing to a person’s faith. For example, in Mark 5:34, He told a woman who had been suffering, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
3. What lesson do we learn from Peter walking on water?
The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:29-31 teaches us that faith involves keeping our focus on Jesus. When Peter focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink, illustrating that doubt undermines our faith.
4. How does Jesus describe faith without doubt?
In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus says, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
5. What is the connection between faith and obedience according to Jesus?
Jesus indicates that true faith results in doing His works. In John 14:12, He says, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.”
6. What does the parable of the persistent widow teach about faith?
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus uses the parable of the persistent widow to show the power of persistent faith. The widow’s unwavering requests lead to justice, emphasizing the importance of persistence in faith.
7. Why does Jesus compare faith to a foundation?
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compares faith to a solid foundation. He says that those who hear and practice His words are like a wise man who built his house on a rock, capable of withstanding any storm.
8. What did Jesus say about faith and salvation?
In John 3:16, Jesus links faith directly to salvation, saying, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
9. How can I live out my faith according to Jesus’ teachings?
Living out your faith involves trusting in Jesus, keeping your focus on Him during challenges, being persistent in prayer, building your life on His teachings, and believing in His promises. Your faith should lead to actions that reflect His love and truth.
10. Why is faith important in a Christian’s life?
Faith is the cornerstone of a Christian’s life. It’s through faith that we connect with God, receive His promises, and find the strength to navigate life’s difficulties. Faith transforms how we see the world and interact with it, aligning us with Jesus’ teachings and leading us toward eternal life.
