*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.
17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 17:13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17:17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 17:18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
17:19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.