Imagine standing at a distance, shunned by society, yet finding hope. In Luke 17, ten lepers call out to Jesus for mercy, leading to an unforgettable lesson about gratitude and faith.
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
Stumbling Blocks and Forgiveness
Jesus starts by warning his disciples about the dangers of causing others to stumble in their faith. He emphasizes the seriousness of leading others astray, stating that it would be better to face a dire fate than to lead the innocent into sin. This sets the tone for the importance of our actions and how they affect others.
A Call for Faith
When the apostles express their struggle with forgiveness, asking Jesus to increase their faith, he surprises them by saying that even a tiny amount of faith, like a mustard seed, could accomplish amazing things - like uprooting a tree and planting it in the sea. It's a powerful reminder that it's not the size of our faith that matters, but the authenticity behind it.
The Healing of Ten Lepers
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, he encounters ten lepers who call out for mercy. Jesus instructs them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are miraculously healed. However, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus, which prompts a poignant moment. Jesus wonders aloud why the other nine didn't return to give glory to God, highlighting the value of gratitude in our lives.
The Kingdom of God
Later, when questioned by the Pharisees about the coming of God's Kingdom, Jesus explains that it's not something you can see or point to; it's within you. He warns of times to come when people will seek signs but encourages his disciples to stay grounded and not be swayed by distractions. He references the days of Noah and Lot - reminding them of the importance of being prepared and focused on what truly matters.
A Final Warning
He concludes with vivid imagery about the end times, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual readiness over worldly possessions. The chapter closes with a cryptic statement, hinting at the profound truths that lie ahead, leaving the disciples with much to ponder.
Why It Matters
The Weight of Responsibility
Jesus' warning about causing others to stumble reminds us that our actions have consequences. As followers of Christ, we need to be mindful of how we influence those around us, especially the vulnerable. Our words and deeds should uplift and not lead others away from faith.
The Power of Forgiveness
The call to forgive - even repeatedly - shines a light on the transformative power of grace. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness in our own lives, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. Forgiveness can heal relationships and foster community.
Gratitude is Essential
The story of the ten lepers shows us that gratitude is not just a polite response but a vital part of our faith journey. Recognizing and acknowledging the blessings we receive helps us grow closer to God and understand the importance of giving thanks.
Being Prepared
Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God remind us to focus our hearts on what truly matters. Instead of getting distracted by worldly concerns, we should seek a deeper understanding of God's presence in our lives. For those looking to connect with a local faith community, find a church near you to explore these teachings further.
Ultimately, Luke 17 challenges us to consider our faith, our interactions with others, our capacity for gratitude, and our readiness for what lies ahead.
Coming Up Next: Luke 18
In Luke 18, we'll witness more profound teachings from Jesus, including powerful parables about persistence in prayer and the nature of humility. Join us as this journey continues with unexpected insights!