Can Tiny Faith Really Move Mountains? Exploring Biblical Contradictions

In this article, you will learn how Matthew 17:20 contradicts James 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Mark 6:5-6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible is often seen as a guide for faith and morality, but when diving into its text, some contradictions can puzzle the curious mind, especially concerning the power and nature of faith. At the heart of this discussion is Matthew 17:20, where Jesus illustrates that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This paints a picture of boundless possibilities arising from the tiniest spark of belief. However, other verses seem to tell a slightly different story.

Consider James 1:6-7, which sheds light on the nature of faith in prayer. It emphasizes the need for unwavering faith; one must not doubt, or else, like a wave of the sea, they are driven and tossed by the wind, making them unstable and unlikely to receive anything. Here, the analogy is clear: a wavering faith, unlike the steadfast mustard seed faith, accomplishes little. How does this reconcile with the idea of small faith moving mountains?

Then there’s 2 Corinthians 5:7, which suggests that believers walk by faith, not by sight. It underscores living with absolute faith, a more significant, bold step than merely having faith the size of a mustard seed. This challenges Matthew’s notion, implying that a life led by sightless faith realizes God's power, rather than relying on a small dose of belief.

Furthermore, Mark 6:5-6 provides another twist. It describes how Jesus, despite being the Son of God, could do no mighty work due to the people's unbelief. The external faith of those around appears to influence the outcome, questioning the power of an individual's small faith and suggesting that communal belief might play a more significant role.

These contradictions invite deeper exploration and reflection. How do we reconcile these differences? Is it possible that faith is both a personal and collective journey, where belief, doubt, and community intertwine to shape divine outcomes?