1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’?”
8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’?
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance.
13 and 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.” And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;
16 Then he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed,
21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
22 And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.
23 And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them.
24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.
25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,
29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all.
30 So will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back.
32 Remember Lot’s wife.
33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.
35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”
36 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
37 And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”
The True Meaning of Luke 17
The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke, a Gentile convert to Christianity, provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges that lie ahead in this chapter, foretelling the coming of the Kingdom of God and the events that will precede it.
The chapter begins with Jesus addressing the issue of temptation and the importance of forgiveness. He then goes on to speak about the power of faith, using the example of the mustard seed to illustrate how even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. This leads to a discussion of the role of servants and the importance of humility in the eyes of God. Jesus heals ten lepers as the chapter progresses, but only one of them returns to give thanks. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the gratitude and devotion that should accompany our faith. The chapter concludes with Jesus addressing the Pharisees’ questions about the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that it will arrive unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the overarching themes of the Gospel of Luke, such as the universality of Jesus’ message, the importance of compassion and mercy, and the transformative power of faith. As we delve deeper into this chapter, Jesus imparts profound insights and lessons to his followers, preparing them for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
Luke 17:1-4
We can break down several important sections in Luke 17:1-4 for a deeper understanding. The passage begins with Jesus teaching his disciples about temptation and sin. He starts off by warning them that stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to those through whom they come. This is a powerful message about the seriousness of causing others to sin. Jesus emphasizes the importance of not leading others astray in their faith or causing them to stumble in their walk with God. This warning is a timeless reminder for believers to always be mindful of their actions and influence on others. It highlights the responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ, to live a life that reflects His teachings and values, and to be a positive example to those around us.
Jesus goes on to instruct his disciples about the importance of forgiveness. He tells them that if a brother sins, they should rebuke him, and if he repents, they should forgive him—even if he sins against them seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to them saying he repents. This message of forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. It reflects the unconditional love and mercy that God has for His children and emphasizes the need for believers to extend that same forgiveness to others. Jesus challenges his disciples to embody the grace and compassion that he exemplified throughout his ministry by emphasizing the concept of forgiveness even in the face of repeated offenses.
The passage concludes with the disciples making a heartfelt request to Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus tells them that even with faith as small as a mustard seed, they can command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey them. This illustration underscores the power of even a small amount of faith when it is rooted in God. It serves as a reminder that true faith is not about the size or quantity, but rather the genuineness and quality of one’s belief in God’s abilities and promises. Jesus paints a vivid picture of how faith, no matter how small it may seem, can produce incredible results when placed in God’s hands by using the metaphor of the mustard seed. Believers of all generations can learn profound lessons from Luke 17:1-4. It urges us to be mindful of our influence on others, to extend forgiveness generously, and to have unwavering faith in God’s power. These teachings align with other verses in the Bible that emphasize the importance of love, forgiveness, and faith, such as Matthew 18:21-22 where Jesus instructs Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, illustrating the limitless nature of forgiveness in the Kingdom of God.
Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord in Luke 17:5-6, “Increase our faith!”‘ He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. The apostles approach Jesus with a request to increase their faith in this short but profound exchange. This shows that even those closest to Jesus felt the need for their faith to be strengthened. Jesus responds with a metaphorical reference to the mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds, emphasizing that faith does not need to be large and grand to be effective. The mustard seed grows into a large tree, and Jesus uses this analogy to show that even a small amount of faith can produce substantial results.
This passage carries a timeless message about the power of faith. It emphasizes that size does not necessarily equate to strength when it comes to faith. A small amount of genuine, unwavering faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. This teaching has parallels in other parts of the Bible, such as Matthew 17:20 where Jesus speaks about faith moving mountains. The underlying message is that faith plays a crucial role in the life of a believer and that even a tiny amount can lead to extraordinary things when grounded in God’s power.
The apostles’ request for increased faith also reflects a common struggle for many believers. It is natural to desire a deeper, stronger faith in God, especially in the face of challenges or uncertainties. Jesus’ response reminds us that faith is a journey – it starts small and grows through experiences, trials, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not about the outward display of faith or the amount we possess, but rather the genuine and steadfast belief in God’s promises and power. Believers are encouraged to trust in the power of faith, no matter how small it may seem. It serves as a reminder that God values sincere and unwavering faith, regardless of its size, and that even the smallest amount of faith can lead to incredible acts of God’s power and grace. Each believer is encouraged to nurture and grow their faith, knowing that even a mustard seed’s worth of faith can lead to remarkable transformations in their lives and the lives of others.
Luke 17:7-10
Jesus speaks of a parable about a servant and his master in Luke 17:7-10, highlighting the concept of humility and servant leadership. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this verse into important sections and delve deeper into their meanings. “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Jesus in this section is painting a picture of a scenario that would have been familiar to the people of that time – the relationship between a master and a servant. The question posed here challenges the normal human response. Typically, a master may be expected to invite the servant to rest and eat after their work. However, Jesus is setting the stage for a different perspective – one of humility and duty.
- “Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?”
Here, Jesus introduces a shift in the usual scenario. The master, representing authority, asks the servant to prioritize his needs over his own desires. This emphasizes the idea of humility and the servant’s duty to serve with a willing heart, even before tending to their own needs.
- “Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?”
Jesus asks whether the master should thank the servant for carrying out their duty. This question challenges the notion of expecting recognition for just doing what is required. It emphasizes the idea of serving with humility and not seeking praise or reward for fulfilling one’s responsibilities.
- “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty. Jesus drives home the lesson of humility and obedience in this concluding statement. He highlights the importance of having a servant’s heart, being willing to serve without expecting recognition or reward. Jesus teaches his followers about the attitude of humility and the true nature of service by acknowledging that they are ‘unworthy servants’ who have simply done their duty.
This parable underscores the core message of humility and service that Jesus consistently taught throughout his ministry. It echoes other verses in the Bible that emphasize humility, such as Philippians 2:3-8, where believers are urged to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and took on the form of a servant. Jesus challenges his followers to adopt a servant leader’s mentality by using this parable, putting others’ needs before their own and serving with humility. It serves as a timeless message for Christians to embody the selfless and humble characteristics of a true servant, following the example set by Christ himself.
Luke 17:11-19
Luke 17:11-19 presents the story of Jesus healing ten men with leprosy. This passage can be broken down into a few key sections that highlight important lessons and themes.
The first section introduces us to the ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance and called out to Jesus for mercy. Leprosy was a disease that was not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating in ancient times. These men were outcasts, banned from society, and were seen as unclean. Despite their outsider status, they have faith in Jesus and cry out to Him for healing. This demonstrates a powerful lesson on the importance of faith and humility when seeking help from God. It also shows Jesus’ willingness to reach out to the marginalized and the outcasts of society, highlighting His compassion and inclusivity.
The next section describes how Jesus instructed the men to show themselves to the priests after they had been healed. This was in accordance with the Mosaic Law, where a priest had to declare a person clean after being healed from a skin disease like leprosy. The men obeyed Jesus’ command and headed towards the priests, not only being physically healed but also restored to their communities and families. This highlights the importance of obedience and following God’s instructions in our lives. It also underscores Jesus’ authority as a healer and His fulfillment of the Law. The men realized they had been healed as they went on their way. One of them, a Samaritan, turned back, praising God and thanking Jesus for his healing. This Samaritan was not only healed physically but also experienced a spiritual transformation through his gratitude and faith. Samaritans were considered outsiders by the Jewish community, yet this man’s act of gratitude did not go unnoticed by Jesus. This part of the story emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude and reminds us of the importance of giving thanks to God for His blessings in our lives.
Jesus, surprised that only one out of the ten men returned to give thanks, pointed out the Samaritan’s faith and expressed disappointment in the lack of gratitude from the others. This highlights the contrast between genuine faith and a mere transactional relationship with God. The Samaritan’s gratitude stemmed from a deep sense of faith and humility, whereas the others may have been focused solely on their physical healing. This serves as a reminder for us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving in our relationship with God, recognizing that all blessings come from Him. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 showcases themes of faith, obedience, gratitude, and inclusion in the kingdom of God. It challenges us to examine our own faith and response to God’s blessings in our lives. Just as Jesus reached out to the marginalized and showed compassion to the outcasts, we are called to emulate His example by extending love, healing, and inclusivity to those around us.
Luke 17:20-21
Jesus replied to the Pharisees when they asked him about the coming of the kingdom of God in Luke 17:20-21, stating that the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. The Pharisees are questioning Jesus about when the kingdom of God would come in this section. The Pharisees were a group of religious leaders who often questioned and challenged Jesus during his ministry. The Pharisees were looking for a physical kingdom to be established on Earth, but Jesus explains that the kingdom of God is not something that can be simply observed with physical eyes or located in a specific place. Instead, Jesus emphasizes that the kingdom of God is already in their midst, meaning it is present among them because Jesus Himself, the embodiment of the kingdom, was present with them.
This passage emphasizes the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God. It is not to be confined to a specific time or place but is a reality that is present wherever God’s will is being done. This aligns with other teachings of Jesus, such as in Luke 11:20 where He says, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Here, Jesus is showing that the kingdom of God is manifested through His actions, especially in bringing healing and deliverance. Jesus challenges the Pharisees and all who listen to him to recognize that the kingdom of God is not about external signs or grand displays but about a heart transformation and living in alignment with God’s will by highlighting its immediacy and accessibility. This message is timeless and reminds believers today that the kingdom of God is not a distant future event but something we can experience and participate in today by following Christ and living according to His teachings.
Luke 17:22-25
Jesus speaks to his disciples about the coming of the kingdom of God in Luke 17:22-25. The passage is divided into two main sections – the first part in verses 22-23 where Jesus addresses his disciples directly, and the second part in verses 24-25 where he warns them against certain misconceptions about his return. Jesus tells his disciples in the first section that they will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but they will not see it. Here, Jesus is referring to the fact that there will be a longing and a yearning for his presence, especially during times of trial and suffering. This highlights the importance of staying steadfast in faith, even when it may seem like God is distant. The disciples, like many believers throughout history, were eagerly awaiting the establishment of the earthly kingdom of Jesus, but they needed to understand that the kingdom of God operates on a different timeline and in ways that may be beyond human understanding.
Moving on to the second section, Jesus warns his disciples against those who claim to have special knowledge about the coming of the kingdom. He emphasizes that the true coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable and sudden, like the lightning flashing across the sky. This serves as a reminder for the disciples (and for all believers) to be vigilant, prepared, and focused on their relationship with God, rather than being led astray by false prophets or sensational claims about the end times. It underscores the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience, ready for the return of Christ at any moment. We can connect these verses in Luke 17 to other parts of the Bible that also speak about the second coming of Christ by delving into them. For example, in Matthew 24:42, Jesus instructs his followers to “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This echoes the sentiment expressed in Luke 17, emphasizing the need for constant readiness and spiritual preparedness for the return of Christ. Additionally, Revelation 1:7 describes the return of Jesus in a similar fashion to the lightning flashing across the sky, reinforcing the sudden and unmistakable nature of his second coming. Believers should remain steadfast in their faith, be wary of false teachings about the end times, and be vigilant in their spiritual walk while eagerly awaiting the glorious return of Jesus Christ, as Luke 17:22-25 serves as a reminder.
Luke 17:26-30
Jesus discusses the days of Noah and Lot as a warning to the people regarding the coming of the Son of Man in Luke 17:26-30. Let’s break down this verse into important sections to provide a detailed commentary on its meaning and significance.
Firstly, Jesus mentions the days of Noah, emphasizing that life was going on as usual—people were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage. This paints a picture of a society caught up in the routine of daily life, oblivious to the impending judgment that was about to befall them.
The story of Noah as recorded in Genesis 6-9, tells of a wicked world that had become corrupt and filled with violence. Despite Noah warning the people of the coming flood and urging them to repent, they continued on their sinful path until the floodwaters came and wiped them out. Noah and his family, who found favor in the eyes of the Lord, were the only survivors. This serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding the warnings of God and being prepared for His judgment.
Secondly, Jesus mentions the days of Lot, drawing a parallel to the time before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The extreme depravity and wickedness of these cities in Genesis 18-19 led to their eventual destruction by fire and sulfur from heaven. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was warned by angels to flee the city with his family before its destruction. However, Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
The reference to the days of Noah and Lot serves as an illustration of how sudden and unexpected the coming of the Son of Man will be. It emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and watchful for the return of Christ. Just as the people of Noah and Lot’s time were caught off guard by the judgment that befell them, so too will those who are not vigilant in their faith be caught unawares at the second coming of Christ. Jesus also speaks of the days of Noah in Matthew 24:37-39 to highlight the necessity of being spiritually prepared for His return. This repetition underscores the urgency of the message and the need for readiness in anticipation of the coming judgment. Luke 17:26-30 serves as a sobering reminder to every believer to be vigilant, prepared, and faithful in expectation of Christ’s return. Just as the people in the days of Noah and Lot were oblivious to the impending judgment, we are reminded not to be consumed by the distractions of this world but to live in a state of readiness for the glorious return of our Savior.
Luke 17:31-33
Jesus is instructing his disciples about the urgency of heeding the signs of the times and being prepared for His second coming in Luke 17:31-33. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a deeper understanding.
Verse 31 begins with Jesus warning, “On that day, let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions.” This is a reference to the suddenness and unexpected nature of Christ’s return. People in biblical times often used their rooftops as a place to gather or store items. Jesus emphasizes the need for immediate obedience and prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly possessions by instructing them not to go back for their possessions when the time comes. This serves as a call to vigilance and readiness for the Kingdom of God, urging believers to not be attached to material things that may hinder their spiritual readiness.
Moving on to verse 32, Jesus speaks of the urgency in remembering Lot’s wife. This reference harkens back to the story of Lot and his family in the book of Genesis. When the angels warned Lot to flee Sodom before its destruction, they were specifically told not to look back. Lot’s wife disobeyed and looked back, resulting in her turning into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This cautionary tale serves as a lesson in the consequences of disobedience and the danger of being too attached to the things of this world. It underscores the importance of wholehearted commitment to following God and not looking back to sinful or worldly influences. Jesus further emphasizes the need for detachment from worldly possessions and personal safety for the sake of the Kingdom of God in verse 33. He states, “Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” This paradoxical statement highlights the principle of self-sacrifice and the eternal value of prioritizing one’s spiritual life over temporal comfort and security. Jesus calls his followers to be willing to endure hardship, persecution, and even death for the sake of their faith, with the assurance that true life is found in surrendering to God’s will completely. These verses in Luke 17 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of readiness, obedience, and wholehearted commitment to Christ. The urgency of being prepared for His return, the caution against being attached to worldly things, and the call to sacrificial discipleship are timeless truths that challenge believers to examine their priorities and live in a manner that reflects an eternal perspective. These teachings align with Jesus’ consistent message of prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else (Matthew 6:33) and being willing to forsake everything for His sake (Matthew 16:24-26) in the broader context of scripture.
Luke 17:34-37
Jesus provides a vivid picture of the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return in Luke 17:34-37. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper understanding:
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“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Jesus in this section is emphasizing the abruptness with which His return will happen. The imagery of two men sleeping in one bed and one being taken while the other is left behind serves as a stark reminder of the separation that will occur when Christ returns. This event echoes the concept of the separation of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on their actions and beliefs.
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“Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
This section continues to illustrate the unexpected nature of Jesus’ return. The daily task of grinding grain was a common activity in Jesus’ time, and the dividing of two women performing this task emphasizes the personal nature of this event. The idea that one is taken while the other is left conveys the reality that not everyone will be prepared or expecting Christ’s return when it happens. This echoes the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and vigilant for His return. -
“Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
This final section drives home the message of readiness and vigilance. The mention of two men working in the field highlights that this event will affect people from all walks of life – no one is exempt from the judgment that will come with Christ’s return. The suddenness with which one is taken and the other left underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times. This idea is reinforced in Matthew 24:36-44, where Jesus warns His disciples to be ready for His return because no one knows the day or the hour. This passage in Luke 17:34-37 serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of Christ’s return and the importance of being spiritually prepared. It challenges believers to live in a state of constant readiness, actively serving and following Christ so that when He does return, we will be found faithful. The imagery used by Jesus in this passage serves as a sobering call to reflection and action, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
After Luke 17
Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of faith and forgiveness in Luke 17. He tells them that even with faith as small as a mustard seed, they can do great things. Jesus also emphasizes the need for forgiveness, instructing his followers to forgive others who repent, no matter how many times they may have wronged them. As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus in Luke 17, let us remember the power of faith and forgiveness in our own lives. We should strive to have unwavering faith in God, knowing that even the smallest amount can move mountains. And let us practice forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven by our Heavenly Father. These principles will continue to shape the lives of Jesus’ disciples in the next chapter and impact those around them.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.