Sermon Date: 03/22/2026

Bible Verses:

• Luke 17:1-10

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new

The disciples ask Jesus for something many of us have asked for:

“Increase our faith.”

They likely imagined faith like a muscle—something that could be bulked up with a divine spiritual protein shake. More faith, more miracles, more power.

But Jesus gives an unexpected answer.

He tells them they don’t necessarily need more faith.

They need faith that is genuine, even if it is very small.

Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move a tree.

The point is not the size of faith.

The point is the object of faith.

A tiny faith placed in a powerful God can accomplish more than a massive confidence placed in ourselves.

Sometimes we think we need giant faith before we obey God.

But Jesus flips that idea.

Often obedience comes first, and faith grows as we walk with Him.

The Lesson of the Servant

Then Jesus tells a short parable.

A servant works all day in the field.

When he comes inside, the master doesn’t say, “Sit down and relax.”

Instead the servant continues serving.

At first, the story may sound harsh.

But Jesus is teaching something deeper.

Discipleship is not about seeking applause.

It is about faithful obedience.

When we serve God, we are not doing Him a favor.

We are simply living out what we were created to do.

Our culture often celebrates recognition.

But Jesus points us toward humility.

A faithful servant does not need constant praise.

A faithful servant simply says:

"I have only done what my Lord asked me to do."

Application

This passage challenges two common misunderstandings.

First, we think we need huge faith before we can obey.

Jesus says even small faith is enough when it trusts in a great God.

Second, we sometimes expect recognition for serving God.

Jesus reminds us that the greatest posture of discipleship is humble obedience.

Faith grows when we trust God in small steps.

And a servant’s heart grows when we remember who we are serving.

Closing Thought

God is not looking for perfect people.

He is looking for faithful servants.

People who trust Him with small faith.

People who obey even when no one applauds.

People who quietly live their lives for His glory.

And when we do, we can say with humility and gratitude:

“We are servants of the Lord. We have only done our duty.”