In Luke 17, Jesus addresses his disciples with profound teachings about forgiveness and faith while showcasing his miraculous power through a healing.
The Reading: Luke 17
World English Bible1 He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come!
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2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
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3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.
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4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
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5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
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6 The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
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7 But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table,’
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8 and will not rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink’?
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9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not.
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10 Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’”
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11 As he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.
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12 As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance.
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13 They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
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14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed.
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15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.
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16 He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.
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17 Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
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18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?”
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19 Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”
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20 Being asked by the Pharisees when God’s Kingdom would come, he answered them, “God’s Kingdom doesn’t come with observation;
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21 neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, God’s Kingdom is within you.”
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22 He said to the disciples, “The days will come, when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.
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23 They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away, nor follow after them,
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24 for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in his day.
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25 But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
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26 As it was in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man.
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27 They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
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28 Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
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29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all.
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30 It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.
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31 In that day, he who will be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back.
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32 Remember Lot’s wife!
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33 Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it.
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34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left.
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35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.”
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36
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37 They, answering, asked him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
A Warning Against Causing Others to Stumble
Jesus starts by warning his disciples that stumbling blocks will come, but the responsibility lies heavily on those who cause others to stumble, especially vulnerable ones. He emphasizes the severity of this by saying it'd be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around one's neck than to lead a 'little one' astray.
The Call for Forgiveness
Next, Jesus gives practical advice about forgiveness. If someone sins against you and asks for forgiveness, you are to forgive them - no matter how many times they come back (even seven times a day!). This is a tall order and prompts the apostles to ask Jesus to increase their faith.
The Power of Faith
In response, Jesus uses the mustard seed as an analogy, suggesting that even a tiny amount of faith can lead to incredible results, like uprooting trees. Then, he talks about the role of a servant, explaining that after doing their duty, they should not expect extra recognition - they should simply fulfill what is required of them.
Healing the Lepers
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, he encounters ten lepers who ask for mercy. Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they find they are healed. Only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude. Jesus notices the lack of thanks from the other nine and tells the grateful leper that his faith has healed him.
The Kingdom of God
When asked by the Pharisees when God's Kingdom will come, Jesus responds that it is not something that can be seen or pointed to; it's within you. He warns his disciples that they will long for the days when he will be present but will not see them. He explains that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unmistakable, comparing it to lightning and the days of Noah and Lot, when people were unprepared for the judgment that came upon them. Jesus concludes with a cryptic remark about those who are taken and those who are left behind, stirring curiosity about what it means to be ready for his return.
Why It Matters
The Importance of Forgiveness
This chapter teaches us that forgiveness is essential, even when it feels challenging. Jesus emphasizes our responsibility to forgive repeatedly, reflecting the grace we receive from God.
The Measure of Faith
Jesus encourages us to have faith, even if it feels small. The mustard seed analogy reminds us that our faith can lead to transformative changes in our lives and those around us.
Gratitude Matters
The story of the lepers serves as a powerful reminder to express gratitude. It's easy to forget to thank those who help us, including God. Acknowledging our blessings can deepen our faith.
In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to maintain these values. But by seeking community and support, such as through find a church near you, we can nurture our faith and forgiveness in our lives, learning from one another.
Preparedness for God's Kingdom
Ultimately, Jesus urges us to be vigilant and prepared for the coming of God's Kingdom. This is a call to live faithfully and to ensure our lives align with his teachings, ready for the day he returns.
Coming Up Next: Luke 18
In the next part of our journey through Luke, we will encounter powerful parables that reveal more about faith, persistence, and the heart of God. Don't miss how Jesus illustrates these profound lessons in Luke 18.