Warning Against A Puny Faith

Four times in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus warns His followers about weak or “puny” faith.  He does this in the form of four rebukes.  These cover the areas in which it is most difficult for us to exercise faith.  Let’s note these four rebukes and with what we are to replace each.

1.      Matthew 6: 25-34—His Rebuke against Fretfulness.  In verse 30 Jesus tells us that the source of fretfulness over material things is “little faith.”  When we fret over the material things of life, we are exhibiting “puny” faith.  Jesus tells us in verse 33 to replace fretfulness with Thanksgiving for His Person.

 

2.      Matthew 8: 23-27—His Rebuke against Fearfulness.  In verse 26 Jesus tells us fearfulness comes from “little” faith.  Verse 24 in the only time in the Bible we’re told Jesus slept.  Clearly the disciples thought Jesus did not know what was happening.  Jesus teaches us to replace fearfulness with Thankfulness for His Presence.

 

3.      Matthew 14: 25-31—His Rebuke against Faithlessness.  In verse 31 Jesus rebukes Peter for “puny” faith that led to him doubting the Lord’s power.  We need to replace faithlessness with Thanksgiving for His Power.

 

4.      Matthew 16: 6-12—His Rebuke against Forgetfulness.  In verses 8-9 Jesus tells us that forgetfulness comes from “little” faith.  Whenever we forget what God has done for us, we fall prey to faulty reasoning.  Jesus teaches us to replace forgetfulness with Thanksgiving for His Provisions.

 

May we have the faith to defeat fretfulness, fear, faithlessness and forgetfulness and replace these with thanksgiving for His person, presence, power, and provision.