‏ Luke 17

The Treatment of Offences

In this section, Jesus teaches about how to handle offences among his followers. He warns against causing others to sin and highlights the seriousness of such actions. He also instructs his disciples to forgive those who wrong them, showing that forgiveness is an important part of Christian living. Jesus then discusses faith and humility, reminding us that even when we do what is right, we should remain humble and not expect special rewards from God.

v. 1-2: Jesus says that it is almost impossible for offences not to happen because of human nature and God's plan to bring good even from evil (It is impossible but that offences will come, Luke 17:1 ^a). But he warns that anyone who causes others, especially believers, to stumble will face severe consequences—worse than being thrown into the sea with a millstone around their neck (Luke 17:2 ^b). This is a warning to those who persecute, mislead, or set a bad example for others, especially new or weak believers.

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v. 3: Jesus commands his followers to be careful not to cause others to stumble. He also tells them to watch their own hearts when they are wronged by others. If someone does something wrong to you, do not let anger take control. Instead, if you are allowed, gently tell the person how they have hurt you. Sometimes, it may turn out to be a misunderstanding, and talking about it can clear things up (Joshua 22:30-31 ^c).

v. 4: Jesus teaches that if the person who wronged you is sorry and asks for forgiveness, you must forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in one day and repent each time, you should continue to forgive them (If he repent, forgive him, Luke 17:4 ^d). Christians should have a forgiving spirit and try to make peace, not hold grudges or seek revenge.

v. 5: The apostles realize that forgiving others is difficult, so they ask Jesus to help them have more faith (Lord, increase our faith, Luke 17:5 ^e). They understand that with stronger faith in God's mercy, they will be able to forgive even when it seems hard.

v. 6: Jesus tells them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can do amazing things. If they truly believe, nothing is impossible—they could even tell a tree to be planted in the sea, and it would obey (Luke 17:6; Matthew 17:20 ^f). Faith in God makes all things possible for those who trust him.

v. 7-8: Jesus uses the example of a servant. After working in the field, the servant must also prepare food and serve his master before eating himself. In the same way, serving God means always being willing to do more, not thinking that we can stop or that we deserve something just for doing our duty (Luke 17:7-8 ^g).

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v. 9-10: Jesus says that the servant does not expect thanks just for doing what was commanded. In the same way, even if we do everything God asks, we should say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done what was our duty to do (Luke 17:10 ^h). We cannot make God owe us anything by our good works. God does not need us, but we need him. Our service to God is our duty, and we should do it with humility.

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The Ten Lepers

This section tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. Leprosy was seen by the Jews as a punishment for sin and a sign of God's anger. Because of this, Jesus often healed lepers to show his power to forgive sins and bring mercy. This event happened as Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee, a place where he was not well known. Here, Jesus shows that he is willing to help people wherever they are, even those who may not be looking for him.

v. 12-13: As Jesus entered a village, ten lepers met him. Because of the law, they stood far away from him, showing respect and understanding of their condition. They called out loudly, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us (Luke 17:13 ⁱ). Even though they did not ask for healing directly, they trusted in Jesus' kindness. They came together because, although they were separated from other people, they could still support each other. Their united prayer teaches us to call out to Jesus when we are in need, trusting in his compassion.

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v. 14: Jesus told the lepers to go and show themselves to the priests, just as the law required. He did not say at once that they would be healed, but he tested their obedience. They all went as Jesus said, even though it might have seemed strange, just like Naaman who was told to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:10 ^j). As they went, they were healed. This shows that when we follow Jesus' instructions, even if we do not see results right away, God will bless our faith and obedience.

v. 15-16: Only one of the ten, when he saw that he was healed, came back to thank Jesus. He praised God loudly and fell at Jesus’ feet to give him thanks (Luke 17:15-16 ^k). This man was a Samaritan. He did not go on to the priest first like the others, but wanted to thank the one who had healed him. We learn here that we should be quick to thank God for his blessings, especially when we recover from sickness. We should also be humble and grateful, recognizing that we do not deserve God’s kindness.

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v. 17-18: Jesus noticed that only one out of ten came back to give thanks. He said, Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? (Luke 17:17 ^l). Jesus pointed out that it was a foreigner—a Samaritan—who returned to praise God, not the Jews. This shows that many people receive God’s mercy, but only a few remember to thank him. Sometimes, the most grateful people are those we least expect.

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v. 19: Jesus said to the thankful Samaritan, Rise and go; your faith has made you well (Luke 17:19 ^m). The other nine were healed because of Jesus’ power, but this man received special praise for his faith. When we trust God and return to thank him, our blessings are greater and more meaningful.

The Progress of Christ’s Kingdom; Destruction of Jerusalem

This section contains Jesus’ teaching about the coming of God’s kingdom. The Pharisees ask when the kingdom will come, expecting a visible, earthly kingdom. Jesus explains that the kingdom is spiritual, not political, and warns his disciples about coming troubles. He uses examples from Noah and Lot to teach about judgment, and urges his followers to be ready and not to cling to this world.

v. 20: The Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God will come. They are thinking of an earthly kingdom. Jesus answers that the kingdom of God does not come with visible signs. People will not be able to say, “Look, here it is,” or “There it is.” The kingdom of God is not about outward show or political power.

v. 21: Jesus continues, saying, “The kingdom of God is within you,” or “among you.” He explains that God’s rule is spiritual and starts in people’s hearts. The kingdom is already present in Jesus’ ministry, even if people do not see it with their eyes (Luke 17:21 ⁿ).

v. 22: Jesus then speaks to his disciples. He tells them there will be days when they will long to see even one of the “days of the Son of Man,” but they will not see it. Jesus is warning them that hard times are coming, when his followers will miss his presence and wish for better days.

v. 23: He warns, “People will say to you, ‘Look, here he is!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ Do not go running off after them.” Jesus tells them not to follow false teachers or false messiahs who claim to show where Christ is. His true coming will not be hidden or secret.

v. 24: Jesus explains that when the Son of Man comes, it will be like lightning that flashes and lights up the whole sky. Everyone will see it. His return will be sudden and obvious, not something hidden (Luke 17:24 ^o).

v. 25: But first, Jesus says, “He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.” Before his glory is seen, Jesus must suffer and die. The disciples need to understand that suffering comes before glory in God’s plan.

v. 26–27: Jesus gives examples from history. He says, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.” People were eating, drinking, marrying, and living life as usual until the flood came and destroyed them all. Jesus warns that many people will ignore God until sudden judgment comes.

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v. 28–30: He also mentions Lot’s time in Sodom. People were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building, but on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. In the same way, when Jesus is revealed, judgment will come suddenly (Luke 17:28–30 ^p).

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v. 31: Jesus warns that on that day, people should not go back to their houses to get their belongings. When judgment comes, nothing is more important than escaping it. Do not cling to material things.

v. 32: He says, “Remember Lot’s wife.” She looked back and became a pillar of salt because she was not fully willing to leave her old life behind. Jesus warns his followers not to look back or regret leaving the world for God.

v. 33: Jesus teaches, “Whoever tries to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” Those who live only for themselves and this world will lose everything in the end, but those who give up their lives for God will find true life (Luke 17:33 ^q).

v. 34–36: He explains that judgment will suddenly separate people. Two people might be together, but one will be taken and the other left. God knows who truly belongs to him and will save them, even if they are close to unbelievers.

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v. 37: The disciples ask, “Where, Lord?” Jesus answers, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” This means that judgment will find the guilty wherever they are. God’s judgment is sure, and no one can escape it.