Monday: Jesus Sees Our Faith
Daily Lesson for Monday 18th of May 2026
Compare how Jesus describes His disciples’ faith in Mark 4:40 with the faith of the woman in Matthew 15:21-28.
Just because we call ourselves followers of Jesus doesn’t automatically mean our faith is strong. In fact, some people claimed to believe, but Jesus discerned what was really in their hearts (John 2:23-25).
Read Luke 7:1-10. What do we learn about faith from this account?
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
In Mark 9:1-50, we read about the man who came to Jesus so that Jesus would cast the demon out of his son, but who could only muster up enough faith to say, “ ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ ” (Mark 9:24, NKJV).
In each of these interactions, Jesus noticed people’s faith, or lack thereof, and performed miracles as a result of that faith or in order to strengthen it.
Though the Holy Spirit prompts us to believe, the enemy of souls wants us to doubt or dismiss God’s involvement in our lives. “The unbelief which is cherished in the soul has a bewitching power. The seeds of doubt that they have been sowing will produce their harvest but they must continue to dig up every root of unbelief. When these poisonous plants are pulled up, they cease to grow for want of nourishment in word and action. The soul must have the precious plants of faith and love put in the soil of the heart and enthroned there.”—Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 17.
When we have doubts about God, His character, or His Word, what should we do with them? God does not ignore or bypass human reason, for He created us in His image and invites us to dialogue with Him, as He did with Abraham, Moses, and Job. God invites us to learn to work within His large, infinite patterns of reason, even if at some point we must surrender to what we don’t fully understand.
|
Think of all the logical reasons you have for faith. At the same time, at what point does logic stop and faith, solid and reasonable faith, need to be exerted? |
“Faith is one of those words we Christians use all the time as part of our spiritual vocabulary and sometimes we take for granted that we all mean the same thing when we talk about it. If we are not careful we will fail to see a distinction between talking about faith and having faith.
I am often somewhat amused when I go to a computer shop and I hear a salesperson describing the features of a computer to one of their potential customers. They can get quite eloquent in their description, but I know the difference between a sales pitch and a real understanding of computers. Sometimes we cover up our ignorance by talking a lot.
You don’t grow your faith by becoming good at describing it. If you want to become a good swimmer, watching other people may be useful, but sooner or later you must get into the water, get wet, and practice moving your legs and arms appropriately. Describing how swimming should be done, does not make you a good swimmer.
Hebrews 11 is about people who acted in faith. The narrative on faith concludes with:
It is an invitation to get into the water!
Hi Maurice. Well said comments. I think it would be good to share how we exercise faith and how God worked for us.
When I finished high school I didn’t go right away to college, but worked for a few years before doing so. I recall going to my boss and telling him that I enrolled in college and planned to resign from my job. He asked me how I will financially support myself. I responded by saying that my God will provide. I explained that I faithfully return my tithes to God and he said that he will supply my needs. My boss replied by saying, “you people are crazy.” He continued by saying that I should hold off resigning because he wanted to discuss my situation with his superiors.
The next day he called me to his office and he said, “those bosses really like you, they don’t not want you to resign. They will allow you to attend classes, and return to work after your classes are over.” He continued by saying that since I do not work on Saturdays, I should feel free to work on Sundays so that I will not suffer loss in pay. If that was not enough, he continued by saying, that the bosses agreed that I would get two weeks study leave each year, so that I could prepare for my exams.
God be praised. He has asked us to prove him to see if He will not open the windows of heaven and pour us blessings and that we will not have room to receive them, Malachi 3:10.
Faith honors God, and God honors faith. Faith is central to the Christian life because it gives us the confidence to trust fully in what God says and promises. True faith believes deeply that God is faithful and that His Word is true. Eternity itself depends on this faith, for God’s expectation is clear. In The Gospel of John 3:17-18, we are reminded that God sent His Son into the world not to condemn humanity, but to save it through Him. Those who believe in Christ are no longer condemned, while those who reject Him remain separated from God because they refuse to believe in His only Son. Jesus not only sees our faith, but He also understands the sincerity of our hearts.
Christ sees our faithfulness even when others fail to notice it. God is never unjust, and He will not forget the work we do or the love we show in serving Him and His people. Many times we may feel unnoticed or unappreciated in our efforts, yet the truth is that Jesus sees every act of service done in His name. At the same time, God also sees the things we try to hide. Nothing escapes His attention—our wrong choices, selfish attitudes, harmful words, and secret sins are all visible before Him. As Psalms 10:11 reminds us, some people deceive themselves into thinking God does not see, but Scripture makes it clear that everything is uncovered before Him. Therefore, we should strive daily to live in a way that pleases God and reflects His love to others.
The Lord brings every believer to moments in life where a crucial decision must be made—to trust Him completely and walk forward in faith. Strong faith is necessary if we are to grow in our usefulness and service to God. Hebrews 4:13 teaches that nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight, and one day each of us will give an account before Him. Knowing this should inspire us to live faithfully, honor Christ in our actions, and depend on Him in every season of life. When we choose to trust God wholeheartedly, He strengthens us, guides us, and uses our lives for His glory.
There is so much depth in this comment from Maurice, and I quote:
In life, you either believe in something or you do not; you either trust a process or you do not. There will be an argument that trust and belief can be quasi or partial, which could be true. Faith, on the other hand, has no middle ground; it is totally exclusive. You either have it or you do not (Hebrews 11:6). But that does not stop one from talking about it, speaking it, teaching it, or even preaching it (Matthew 15:8). That is why Maurice’s statement above is so profound, and a question we may need to ask ourselves—individually and honestly—in a quiet place ( 2 Corinthians 13:5).
Though faith acts in a hidden place—the heart—it is always very clear. The Roman centurion was perfectly clear on the authority that was Christ (Matthew 8:8–10). The Canaanite woman was clear that Christ had power to heal, and nothing would hold her plea from reaching Jesus (Matthew 15:22–28). Both, outsiders of the covenant, but had a clear understanding of Jesus as a healer.
Such faith needs to be purposed Daniel 1:8), and wholly believed regardless of outcome (Hebrews 11:1). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were clear on their relationship with God. Faith does not compromise: “Let it be known…” (Daniel 3:17–18). The Hebrew boys did not compromise; they put their faith in the hands of God.
Maybe the question should be this: Are we speaking about faith, or is our faith drawing us nearer to God? (James 4:8).
Unfortunately, it is those who daily walk with Christ who sometimes seem to want to rush the process or doubt the process (James 1:4);(Proverbs 3:5–6).
I believe Stanley it is true that we either have faith or not. And yet the Bible allows for degrees of faith.
“Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,”
2Corinthians 10:15. NIV
“One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.”
Romans 14:2 NIV
The Scripture encourages us:
“But grow in grace (which I believe necessitates growing in faith) and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 KJV
“One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.”
Romans 14:2 NIV
It’s a good thing that this verse is not literal, it is abstract, yet not so abstract that it does not teach us to ‘eat’ all the Word of God not just a particular snap shot of the message, being refractory(stubborn) to eating the whole Word of God, rather it behooves us to open our hearts to all of God’s Word. Ephesians 3:14-19. Your next text, 2 Peter 3:18, does explain somewhat Romans 14:2. I just thought I would add some kidney beans(legumes) to the vegtables. Good message Michael, it would be nice for us to know your last name Mr. Z.
God Bless you Mr. Z.
There is a wonderful faith story recorded in Matthew 15:21-28. This Gentile woman is truly impressive. I am greatly touched by her persistence. How did she develop such an amount of faith? What are the key lessons to learn from this incident?
Being a Canaanite (an enemy of the Jewish people), she had not met Jesus before but likely heard about Him. The love for her daughter compelled her to forget the racial animosity and seek healing from an “enemy healer”. Even then, Jesus seems to ignore her initially and humiliate her by referring to her as a dog. She did not quit. The strong love of a loving mother knows no boundary. True faith never surrenders, no matter the obstacle. When heaven seems to be silent, our faith should grow stronger. We should never stop praying when answers seem to be delayed.
The humility of this woman, who was assumed not to know the truth, by being a Canaanite, will make many of us who claim to know the truth hang our heads in shame. Spiritual pride hinders spiritual growth. Jesus was trying to demonstrate to the disciples that their pride was a stumbling block to their faith. That is why Jesus commended the woman, “O woman, great is your faith!” The woman was willing to be content with crumbs because she knew crumbs from Jesus were more than enough. Humility opens our hearts to the grace of God.
It is a good and desirable thing to receive what we seek from God.
But what if we don’t, does that mean we dont have enough faith?
Faith is not demanding or commanding an answer to our requests from God.
Faith is not being certain of the if, how and when we will receive what we ask from God . Rather , it is knowing that God hears us and is able to do what we ask of Him, And even more than we ask. Yet because God’s wisdom is far beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8
[8]“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.), faith submits to the will and timing of God. Like the 3 Hebrew boys said: Daniel 3:17-18
[17]If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
[18]But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Faith acknowledges that God exists and rewards those that diligently seek Him,at the same time doesn’t get discouraged by the turn of events( Habakkuk 3:17-18
[17]Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—
[18]Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.) knowing everything God does is perfect and for our good ( Romans 8:28
[28]And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.). God answers us
Not just for our comfort in this life, but for our salvation and the salvation of others.
God, please cause my doubts of you to lead me to you for answers instead of away from you.
I see the only ‘logical’ reason to have faith is that God admonished us to engage in it because we cannot live true life without Him. Faith overcomes fear – Heb.11:6.
Haggai 2:5
”This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.”
Mark 4:40
”But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith>”
John 14:27
”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 16:23
”I have told you these things so that IN Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.”
I am a person who is prone to ‘fear’. This is the first time I learn to see fear as the opposite of faith. Usually, faith and faithlessness, or believe and unbelieve are the common opposites. And they still are. But now, I understand why it is so important not to fear – not to be afraid but to have faith.
The Faith of Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Faith generates confidence, trust and assurance that our life is ultimately in God’s hands – and we trust God. Fear, on the other hand, fosters weakness, confusion and uncertainty, causing to forget that God cares for us – 1 Peter 5:7.
Faith goes beyond hoping for the comforts of this material life. Upon entering God’s Kingdom with thanksgiving, we choose fearless FAITH as the new state of being. I learn not to be intimidated or fearful by this corrupt, materialistic life – Job 1:21.
Faith and talking about faith is described by Christ. In my opinion that is what Christ was talking about in John 2:23-25. Christ was reading their minds; this was in His early ministry. He had just preformed His 1st miracle of water to wine or grape juice if you prefer. The text does not specifically say they talked about faith or had lack of faith, but I am given the impression that is what He was talking about. Also, maybe these verses had to do with the fact that Christ with righteous indignation had just cleansed the temple of money changers. Faith is a gift from God. Be sure and ask for it. Make sure you have faith that God will gift you faith for the asking.
A friend asked me how do we know what measure of faith God has gifted us? Romans 12:3. I am not sure if I have answer. Yet I do think that He gives us faith according to our needs. Philippians 4:19. Yes, here in Roman’s 12:3 faith is expressed as spiritual gifts. What do you think?
There is nothing like a personal experience with God. This “journey” has to be individual. Again, the choice to believe is a daily one; doubts may appear sometimes because of the challenges in life, but when I deliver my soul to His care, sooner or later a satisfying answer comes!