Faith, Forgiveness, and Gratitude (Luke 17:1-19)
Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. In one short passage, Jesus teaches His followers how to live with responsibility, faith, humility, and gratitude. These lessons aren’t just for ancient times—they’re still powerful and practical today.
Let’s take a look at what Jesus teaches and how it speaks to our everyday lives.
Take Responsibility for Others
Jesus begins by warning His disciples about causing others to stumble in their faith. He’s especially concerned about those who are new or struggling. He makes it clear: we have a responsibility to help others grow, not trip them up.
That’s something to think about. Whether we realize it or not, our words and actions can affect the faith of those around us. Jesus wants us to be people who build others up, not tear them down.
Learn to Forgive Again and Again
Jesus then talks about forgiveness. If someone does wrong and comes back saying “I’m sorry,” we’re supposed to forgive—not just once or twice, but every time.
Forgiving like that is tough. It’s not about ignoring pain or pretending everything’s okay. It’s about choosing to release anger and let God heal our hearts. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but Jesus says it’s necessary if we want to follow Him.
Even a Little Faith is Powerful
After hearing this, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Maybe they felt like we often do: unsure we have enough faith to live the way Jesus teaches.
But Jesus tells them that even a tiny bit of faith—like a mustard seed—is enough. It’s not about having perfect or huge faith. It’s about trusting the right Person. When we put even small faith in Jesus, God can do amazing things.
Serve with a Humble Heart
Jesus shares a story about a servant who comes in from working in the field and continues to serve his master. His point? Following God isn’t about earning rewards or applause. Serving is simply what we’re called to do.
This reminds us that being a Christian is not about showing off or proving ourselves. It’s about being faithful in the big and small things. Our job is to serve God with love and humility, knowing that He sees and values every act of obedience.
Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
As Jesus continues His journey, He meets ten men suffering from a terrible skin disease. They call out for help, and Jesus heals them all. But only one of them turns around to say thank you.
That one man was not only healed, but he was also praised for his faith. The others missed an opportunity to connect with Jesus through gratitude.
How often do we cry out to God when we need something—but forget to thank Him when the answer comes? Gratitude isn’t just good manners. It’s a way to show our love and trust in God.
Bringing It All Together
In just a few scenes, Jesus gives us a picture of what a faithful life looks like:
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Care for others. Your influence matters.
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Forgive freely. Even when it’s hard.
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Trust God. Even small faith is powerful.
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Serve humbly. It’s not about impressing others.
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Be thankful. Don’t forget to return and give thanks.
These lessons may seem simple, but they take a lifetime to live out. Thankfully, we’re not alone—Jesus walks with us every step of the way.
What’s one way you can live out these lessons today? Maybe it’s forgiving someone, serving quietly, or simply stopping to say “thank you” to God. Whatever it is, trust that even small steps of faith can lead to big changes.
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.”