Luke 17:1-19
Q.1. How certain was Jesus about the coming of stumbling blocks? Who should we especially protect from stumbling? Why? – (Lk.17:1-2)
Jesus knew how far sinful men could fall, and how evil the world would become (c.f. Lk.18:8; Jn.2:24-25). He was totally realistic about the coming of stumbling blocks. He warned that strong condemnation would come to those responsible. Why did Jesus single out those who placed stumbling blocks before these little ones? (Lk.17:2). It is because children are defenceless, and inexperienced. They are not yet mature, so have little capacity to stand against pressure from others, especially adults.
Q.2. How should we deal with sin and forgiveness? Why did the apostles recognize that they needed more faith? What was the point of His parable? – (Lk.17:3-6)
Sadly, many Christians are silent about sin, even when it is a community issue. Jesus taught us to appeal to, or even rebuke an offender, in order to lead him to repentance (Lk.17:3). In the event of repentance, we must be sure to forgive and release our brother every time he asks for forgiveness (Lk.17:4). This was not practiced in the Jewish culture, so it prompted the disciples to ask the Lord to increase their faith. We invariably struggle to forgive, because we do not truly trust in the sovereign rule of a good God. The parable of the mustard seed is often misunderstood. In the story, Jesus revealed that phenomenal growth comes from simple trust (Lk.17:6). Regardless of our misgivings, we must keep obeying the principles of God’s Word. The learning to trust and obey God leads to amazing outcomes.
Q.3. What problem in a servant-master relationship was Jesus pinpointing? Why is it crucial to recognize our proper place as God’s servants? – (Lk.17:7-10)
A servant is to obey his master. When he serves well, he is still subservient to his master and must fulfil his duties. He never has the right to develop an attitude of entitlement (Lk.17:7-9). This can be a problem for many Christians if they are not shown gratitude for their service. They may even give up serving. We need to remember that the accolades will come at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor.3:10-15). For now, we must simply serve and continue to serve because – … when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, `We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’ (Lk.17:10). We are God’s servants and need to maintain a servant’s heart.
Q.4. Why did Jesus send the lepers to the priests? What difference did it make to the healed leper when he expressed his gratitude? – (Lk.17:11-19)
Jesus always fulfilled the teaching of the Scriptures. Leviticus chapter 14:1-32 spells out the requirement for affirming the healing of lepers. Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy (Lk.17:13). Though Jesus had the power, He decided not to heal them from leprosy immediately or even promise to do so. Instead, He directed them to obey the command of Scripture to go to the priests to have the validity of a cure checked. It was then, when in faith they obeyed Jesus, that they were cleansed from their leprosy. However, only one cleansed leper returned to Jesus to give glory to God in a beautiful act of devotion – he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan (Lk.17:16). Jesus then responded – … Stand up and go; your faith has made you well (Lk.17:19). The translation is poor. If this Samaritan was only ‘made well’ from leprosy … so were all the others. The Greek word ‘sesoken’ is derived from ‘sozo’ also translated saved or made whole. In Luke 7:50 Jesus used the same word to declare to the penitent disreputable woman – ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace’. The Samaritan leper was not only healed of leprosy. He was the only one of the 10 lepers who was saved and made spiritually whole.