Daily Devotional on Luke 17:5

Lord, Increase Our Faith

Luke 17:5 records the heartfelt plea of the apostles: “Increase our faith.” This request did not arise in a vacuum. Jesus had just spoken about forgiveness, warning against stumbling others and commanding that if a brother sins and repents—even seven times in a day—he must be forgiven (Luke 17:1–4). The apostles immediately recognized that such obedience requires genuine, strengthened faith. Their request reveals spiritual humility and awareness of their own insufficiency.

Faith in Scripture is not a vague feeling or blind optimism. Hebrews 11:1 defines it as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Biblical faith rests on the revealed Word of Jehovah. Romans 10:17 states, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Therefore, when the apostles asked for increased faith, they were not asking for mystical empowerment but for a stronger conviction grounded in divine truth.

Jesus’ response in Luke 17:6 teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea. He was not promoting literal tree-moving, nor was He endorsing charismatic displays. Rather, He emphasized the power of genuine trust in God’s promises. Even a small measure of authentic faith, when anchored in Jehovah’s revealed will, accomplishes what human strength cannot. The issue is not quantity but authenticity and obedience.

Faith grows as believers immerse themselves in Scripture, meditate upon it, and apply it. Joshua 1:8 commands meditation on the Book of the Law day and night so that obedience will follow. The Holy Spirit operates through the inspired Word, illuminating the mind and strengthening conviction. There is no separate indwelling or mystical infusion. Guidance and growth come as one submits to the Spirit-inspired Scriptures.

The context of Luke 17 underscores forgiveness. Forgiving repeatedly requires trusting Jehovah’s justice. Romans 12:19 commands, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” When believers forgive, they demonstrate faith that Jehovah sees all wrongdoing and will judge righteously. Faith rests in His sovereignty, not in visible outcomes.

Moreover, faith connects directly to obedience. James 2:17 declares, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” The apostles knew that Christ’s commands were demanding. They did not dispute His words; they sought the strength to carry them out. True spiritual maturity begins with acknowledging dependence upon God.

Faith is also sustained by remembering Jehovah’s past acts. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to recall His mighty works—from the Exodus in 1446 B.C.E. to the resurrection of Christ in 33 C.E. These historical realities confirm that Jehovah fulfills His promises. Christian faith is anchored in actual events, not myth or allegory.

When a believer today prays, “Increase my faith,” he is asking Jehovah to deepen his understanding of Scripture, to strengthen his resolve to obey, and to cultivate unwavering trust in divine promises. Difficulties arise from human imperfection, Satan, demons, and a wicked world (1 John 5:19). Yet faith anchors the believer in confidence that Jehovah remains sovereign and that everlasting life will be granted to those who endure faithfully (Matthew 24:13).

Faith is not static. Second Peter 1:5–7 instructs believers to supplement faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This progression demonstrates growth. It is cultivated through disciplined study, prayer, and obedience.

Thus, Luke 17:5 calls believers to humility, dependence, and diligence. Faith is strengthened not by emotional experiences but by consistent exposure to the Word of God and faithful application of its commands. As believers forgive, obey, and trust, their faith matures. Jehovah honors such faith, and Christ intercedes for those who belong to Him (Hebrews 7:25). A strengthened faith produces steadfast obedience and confident hope in the resurrection and the promised Kingdom.

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