Introduction
    “If you are in the truth, why are there so few of you?” This question often comes from those who find comfort in belonging to large faith communities. When newcomers see our modest attendance compared to bustling churches and mosques, they may question the strength and validity of our beliefs. “There is strength in numbers,” they may say. Being compared to the world’s largest religions, Christianity and Islam, can sometimes influence a believer’s faith in a negative way. Yet, in the face of these doubts, we find solace in Yahshua’s teachings and the timeless wisdom of the Scripture.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
    Another parable He put before them, saying, “The reign of the heavens is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is less than all the seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than the plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and dwell in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32, TS2009.
   Yahshua is the man who sowed the seed, symbolizing the kingdom of Elohim. Notice that He chose the smallest seed, emphasizing that great things often start from humble beginnings. As members of a small faith community, we can find hope in this parable, knowing that our small number is part of Yahweh’s great plan. We rejoice because Yahshua’s parable is being fulfilled through us in our time.

Parallels with Early Believers
    Small numbers come with their own challenges. Reflecting on early believers provides perspective. Lacking huge, elaborate cathedrals and mosques, most of them simply gathered in their homes to worship.
   The assemblies of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you greetings heartily in the Master along with the assembly that meets in their home, 1 Corinthians 16:19 CSB. (see also Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:20; and Romans 16:3-5)
   The early believers also had their fair share of disagreements that caused factions, divisions, jealousy and strife. Consider the following verses:
   For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers, by those of the house of Chloe, that there are strifes among you. What I mean is this, that each one of you says, “I am of Sha’ul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Kĕpha,” or “I am of Messiah.” Has the Messiah been divided? Was Sha’ul impaled for you? Or were you immersed in the name of Sha’ul? 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, TS2009.
   For you are still fleshly. For since there is envy, and strife, and divisions among you, are you not fleshly and walking according to man? 1 Corinthians 3:3 TS2009.
   Some of them had to endure the pain of having members who leave the Assembly.
   They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us, 1 John 2:19 CSB
   Some even left the Messiah Himself because His teachings made them feel uncomfortable.
   Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”… Yahshua, knowing in Himself that His disciples were grumbling about this, asked them, “Does this offend you? From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him,” John 6:60-61, 66 CSB.
   Even early spiritual leaders did not always agree. There were debates about comparisons among the disciples.
   An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them, Luke 9:46 CSB.
   Whoever receives this little child in My Name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you will be great, Luke 9:48 NKJV.
   There was even an open opposition between two of our greatest stalwarts of faith, Paul and Peter. But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned, Galatians 2:11 CSB.
   Likewise, we cannot forget the sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus, Acts 15:37-39 CSB.

Facing Our Challenges
    These circumstances remind us in all humility that no assembly is perfect. Our present situation is not far different from that of the early believers. We know of many brethren who worship in their homes because they have no assembly halls where they can gather during Sabbath. Disagreements and personal struggles among leaders and members are not unfamiliar. These challenges test our resolve but also affirm our place in Yahweh’s unfolding plan. Like the tiny mustard seed, we must endure harsh conditions to grow into something greater. We will persevere through all challenges because the Hand that has sown us is the same Hand that will protect and nourish us.

The Promise for the Remnant
    And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim and possessing the witness of Yahshua Messiah, Revelation 12:17 TS2009.
   Mirriam-Webster defines “remnant” as “a usually small part, member, or trace remaining” or “a small surviving group.” In the book of Revelation, we are reminded that in the end times, only a remnant of the seed will obey Yahweh. Other versions interpret this as those “which keep the commandments of Yahweh and have the testimony of Yahshua,” Though we may be a few, our faithfulness stands as a testament to Yahweh’s enduring love and purpose.

Hope for the Future
    Despite our small numbers and the trials we face, Yahshua’s promise remains steadfast. Yahweh, through Yahshua, can turn chaos into miracles. The seed He planted long ago will grow fully just as He said. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches, Matthew 13:32, NIV.
   We may become impatient and wonder, “When is this seed going to grow? It doesn’t seem to be growing at all!” A newly planted seed cannot be expected to be fully grown the next day. It needs time. In two days, it will germinate with only a fresh, tiny sprout to show. With Yahweh, a thousand years is like a day. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With Elohim a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. Elohim is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV.
   Everything in this world works in Elohim’s time frame, not ours. So, when He says He planted a seed two thousand years ago, it is akin to saying He planted it two days ago. A mustard seed planted two days will have only a tiny sprout. This is where we are now. We do not need to be too anxious about our small sprout and our current numbers. One day, everyone will call and bow down to the Name of Yahshua, our coming King and Savior. All will keep His Commandments, which are written in our hearts (Jer. 31:33). Everyone will call on His Name (Zeph. 3:9). These things may be strange to billions today, but these are already prophesied in the Bible. When that time comes, we will realize that the seed has become a tree.

Conclusion
    Yahshua likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed: small at first, yet destined to grow into a mighty tree where birds find shelter. This parable reminds us that greatness often emerges from the humblest beginnings. Our small numbers reflect Yahweh’s deliberate choice, not a deficiency. Our growth may seem slow, but Yahweh’s timing is perfect. We are given the opportunity to be part of His grand plan, and our faithfulness, though seemingly insignificant now, will bear fruit in His time.
   The question, “Why are we so few?” becomes more significantly a question of “What is the purpose of the small seed?” Apostle Paul reminds us of Yahweh’s preference for the humble and His promise of growth and transformation. Elohim chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him, 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 NIV.
   Moses also reminds us that Yahweh’s profound love for His people does not depend in the quantity of their numbers. Elohim had His heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because Elohim loved you and kept the oath He swore to your ancestors, He brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt, Deuteronomy 7:7-8 CSB.
   Quantity does not always equate to quality. Though our numbers are few, yet, we hold the truth within us. Let us embrace our role as part of the mustard seed, Yahweh’s provision and guidance. We are called to be brave. Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom, Luke 12:32 CSB.
   The small seed planted by our Savior two thousand years ago may now be a tiny sprout, but this is just the beginning. As we remain steadfast, we anticipate the day when the small seed blossoms into a mighty tree fulfilling Yahweh’s Kingdom on Earth. The time will come when our number will not bother us anymore. The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time, Isaiah 60:22 CSB.