*Luke 17:1-19
Jesus teaches his disciples about avoiding temptation, forgiveness, faith, and humility.
- Teaching on Sin and Forgiveness:
- Jesus warns his disciples that stumbling blocks are inevitable, but those who cause others to sin face severe consequences.
- He emphasizes the seriousness of leading “little ones” astray, stating that it’s better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around one’s neck.
- He calls for vigilance in relationships, advising to rebuke those who sin and forgive if they repent, even multiple times a day.
- Faith and the Mustard Seed:
- The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith.
- Jesus tells them that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mulberry trees into the sea, illustrating the power of genuine faith.
- Parable of the Unworthy Servant:
- Jesus shares a parable where a servant serves his master after working in the field.
- He suggests that the master doesn’t thank the servant for simply doing his duty, highlighting that disciples should serve God humbly without seeking special praise.
- Healing of the Ten Lepers:
- Jesus encounters ten lepers in a village between Samaria and Galilee.
- They cry out from a distance, asking for mercy.
- Jesus tells them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are cleansed.
- Gratitude of the Samaritan:
- Only one of the ten lepers, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus, falling at his feet and praising God.
- Jesus asks about the other nine who were healed and expresses surprise that only a foreigner returned to give thanks.
- He tells the grateful Samaritan that his faith has made him well, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and recognition of God’s mercy.
Luke 17:1-19 teaches us about faith, forgiveness, and gratitude. Jesus reminds us to forgive others, even when it’s hard, because God has forgiven us. He also encourages us to trust Him, even if our faith feels small—He can do great things through it. The story of the healed lepers shows the importance of gratitude. Only one of the ten came back to thank Jesus, reminding us to always be thankful for God’s blessings. By forgiving, trusting, and giving thanks, we grow closer to God and reflect His love to those around us.
Luke 17:1-19 (WEB)
17:1 He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come! 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. 3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”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. 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’? 8 Wouldn’t he rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. 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.’ ”11 As he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance. 13 They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 16 He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.17 Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”