Luke 17:1-10– April 03, 2022
Luke 17:1-2. NIV Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. ESV Temptations to sin are sure to come NASB It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come NKJV It is impossible that no offenses should come All from the Greek word skandalon, a snare, a stumbling block, an offense. Also Romans 14:21 (NIV)
“to stumble” or “to sin” This verb skandalisē has the same root as the noun skandalon, translated “stumbling blocks.” The primary cause of offense here is leading disciples (“little ones”) into sin away from the faith.
Luke 17:3a. It is difficult to know if this looks back or forward or both but the present imperative reflects an ongoing spirit of watchfulness.
Luke 17:3b-4. You must forgive them. Forgiveness is to be readily given and not withheld. Forgiveness is always related to your relationship with God. Three examples: Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:12, 14-15,
Luke 17:5. Shock! O’ my gosh, if I have to forgive that much, help me! I need more faith!
Luke 17:6.A black mulberry tree is a deciduous fruit tree that grows about 20 ft (6 m) tall and has black juicy berries. This tree has an extensive root system, roots so deep they could last up to 600 years, so to pull it up would be a major operation.
Why use such an example? Perhaps you have been so deeply hurt you cannot imagine forgiving, but Jesus is saying with a tiny amount of faith you can.
The issue is not the amount of faith (which in the example is only very tiny), but its presence, which can accomplish impossible things.
We can, with the tiniest amount of faith, that is alive, cast all sorts of anger, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, and such that is deeply rooted in our own psyches right into the sea!
Forgiveness is about obeying God.
He wants us, as Christians, to forgive as He forgives. God gives us the power to obey so that we can be in obedience to Him, if we will.
No matter how great the pain someone has caused us – and the pain is real and deep and it still hurts – God accepts that and still gives you the ability to forgive with His help.
Luke 17:7. Better “and recline at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.And the answer to this rhetorical question is NO.
Luke 17:8-9. get yourself ready wash up and gird yourself with an apron or towel, in preparation for service.
The answer is ‘No’, he is a servant only doing what he was commanded to do.
Luke 17:10. The disciples, and us, have not done anything deserving special commendation or praise when we have forgiven those who have hurt us, but only what would normally be expected of a servant, thus the translation “we have only done our duty”).