Luke 17:1-19 - Jesus the Teacher

On first reading, this passage may seem to be a collection of discrete teachings by Jesus. Instead, I would encourage the reader to approach this passage as a moment of revision for the disciple and hearer.

The gravity of sin is never underplayed in the Gospels: we know it would be better to be maimed, blinded and hobbling into eternity than be cast into the deep sea with a millstone tethered to us. Be aware of our example and be the example that does not cause others to stumble, or continue in sin. And ultimately be ready to forgive sins against ourselves completely and perfectly as Christ has forgiven us. This depth of Christlikeness can only come from faith, small but rich in potential for growth like a firmly planted and rooted seed.

This same faith can shape our behaviour as servants of Christ. If you find verses 7 to 10 difficult, especially to the egalitarian Western mind, consider Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment from chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel and see how our lives can be recalibrated against the Kingdom. This same faith can give us the confidence to call out to Christ, to act on His words, and having been blessed, approach Him boldly in worship.