Meaning of Luke 17:5

The apostles' plea to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5), arises from a context where Jesus had just presented them with challenging teachings and commands, likely concerning forgiveness and the nature of God's kingdom. Their request is not a sign of weakness or doubt in God's existence, but rather an honest acknowledgment of their own limitations in fully grasping and implementing the profound truths Jesus was revealing. It signifies a recognition that faith is not a static possession but a dynamic quality that requires cultivation and growth, and that the source of this growth is divine. Their petition reflects a deep desire to be more capable of living out the radical demands of discipleship, to align their wills more perfectly with God's, and to see God's power at work more demonstrably in their lives and in the world.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teachings on offenses and forgiveness, specifically the command to forgive "seventy times seven" (Luke 17:4). The disciples, confronted with the extraordinary demands of Christ's ethical and spiritual teachings, likely felt overwhelmed. The idea of consistently forgiving others, especially after repeated offenses, would have been a significant departure from their cultural norms and personal capacities. Their request for increased faith is a direct response to the perceived difficulty of living up to these high standards, revealing their awareness that such a level of grace and endurance is beyond their own natural strength.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the dependence on God for spiritual growth. The apostles understand that faith is not solely a human endeavor but a gift and a power that originates from God. Secondly, it highlights the progressive nature of faith. Faith is not a one-time acquisition but a journey of continuous development. Thirdly, it underscores the humility of true discipleship. The apostles, despite being Jesus' closest followers, acknowledge their need for divine assistance. Finally, it points to the power of faith to accomplish the seemingly impossible, a concept Jesus often emphasized.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of this verse lies in its universal application to all believers. It teaches us that it is natural and healthy to recognize our limitations and to actively seek God's help in strengthening our faith. Our faith is not meant to be a passive sentiment but an active force that enables us to overcome obstacles, persevere through trials, and live according to God's will. The application is to humbly and persistently ask God to deepen our trust, to expand our capacity to believe His promises, and to empower us to live out His commands with greater conviction and effectiveness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This request aligns with the consistent biblical portrayal of God's people acknowledging their need for divine intervention. From the Old Testament patriarchs to the prophets, the narrative is replete with instances of individuals recognizing their human frailty and turning to God for strength and guidance. In the New Testament, Jesus continually calls his disciples to a deeper faith, and their struggles and requests for growth are integral to their formation as leaders of the early church. This verse serves as a foundational principle for the Christian life, emphasizing that all spiritual progress is initiated and sustained by God.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a muscle. Just as a muscle needs to be exercised and challenged to grow stronger, so too does faith require consistent engagement with God's word, prayer, and obedience to develop. Another analogy is that of a seed. A seed contains the potential for a plant, but it needs sunlight, water, and fertile soil – elements analogous to God's grace, His word, and our obedience – to grow and bear fruit. The apostles' request is akin to a gardener asking for more fertile soil and rain to help their crops flourish.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intimately connected to Jesus' teachings elsewhere regarding faith. For example, in Mark 9:24, the father of an epileptic boy cries out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" This echoes the disciples' sentiment, demonstrating that even in the midst of belief, there is an awareness of its insufficiency. Jesus' parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) also underscores the importance of persistent prayer and not losing heart, implying that such persistence is fueled by a faith that needs to be sustained. Furthermore, Jesus’ statement in Luke 17:6 that "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you" directly follows their request, showing that even a small, growing faith, when rooted in God, possesses immense power.