Luke 17:6

Luke 17:6. If ye have faith, etc. See on Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21. The original implies that they had not so great faith, though it does not assert that they had none.

This sycamine tree. The discourse was probably uttered in the open air, and the tree near by, as the mountains were on the other occasions when a similar saying was uttered. The mulberry tree seems to be meant, not the sycamore (chap. Luke 19:4). Some argue that the latter is meant, because it is more common in Palestine and a sturdier tree; but the original points to the former. The promise here given is even stronger than that in Matthew, for the tree is represented as being planted in the sea, where growth is ordinarily impossible.

And it should obey you; the tree being represented a living thing. This promise is misunderstood, only when miracles of power are put above miracles of grace. The whole passage may be thus paraphrased: You think the duties I enjoin too hard for your faith, but this shows that you have as yet no faith of the high order you ought to have, for the smallest measure of such a faith would enable you to do what seems altogether impossible in the natural world; and so much the more in spiritual things, since real faith is preeminently spiritual power.