Distance & Distinction (Luke 17)
Forgiveness & Faith (verses 1-10)
We can cause people to stumble by behavior, speech, or even the attitude we have in what we do or say. When our conduct does not match our profession, we are discrediting Christianity in the eyes of those who observe us. The cross of Christ will always give offense, but we must strive never to increase that offense with our careless lives. Not only does Jesus say not to cause a brother to stumble, but he adds that if our brother does stumble, then we should rebuke him. The rebuke, or reprimand, must not be judgmental, but done in a spirit of gentleness, as we look to ourselves to make sure we also are not in sin (Galatians 6:1). We need to make sure that we are not acting in unloving judgmentalism. We also need to make sure that we are not remaining silent because of man-fearing cowardice. Jesus also maintains remarkable balance, asserting that the rebuke can only be carried out rightly when it is accompanied by a willingness to forgive, no matter the nature of the offense.
Overwhelmed by the responsibility that Jesus had just laid at their feet, the disciples recognize their inability, due to their lack of faith. Jesus’ response makes clear that you only need a very little bit of faith to forgive. If there is anything that Christians should understand, it is forgiveness. An unforgiving spirit is the sure mark of an unforgiven heart. When we do forgive even the greatest offenses, we should recognize that we are only doing what we are expected to do. A servant would never expect to be thanked for doing what he was asked to do. God is not in any way indebted to us, and our best work, even all of our best works combined, would never suffice for any merit with God.
– Are you in danger of causing others to stumble because of behavior, speech, or attitudes that are contrary to your profession in your home, work, classroom, neighborhood, etc.?
– Has someone offended you recently? Have you freely forgiven them, remembering that as a Christian you have been freely forgiven of much greater offenses?
Healing & Gratefulness (verses 11-19)
Jesus was known throughout the area, and these leprous men were aware that He had the pity to help and the power to heal. Though Jesus healed these lepers in order that they might return to Him, the majority of them spurn His kindness, basking in the benefits of His healing power and yet wanting nothing to do with the One who blessed them. In His kindness, the Lord orchestrated the events in such a way that these men came close enough to call out to Jesus from a distance and be made well. However, once they were healed, all but one of them continued walking, spurning His kindness. Their ingratitude flows from a life that expects that God owes them something. Gratefulness is a flower that will not bloom apart from the root of humility.
– What has the Lord accomplished or orchestrated in your life that demonstrates His kindness to you and in order that you might seek after Him? Have you spurned that kindness or have you turned it into gratitude for His mercies?
The Coming Kingdom (verses 20-37)
When the Pharisees ask Jesus about the coming of the Kingdom, he answers them, in essence, “You’ve already missed it!” The Kingdom is not to be merely observed, but lived in, acknowledged, and experienced as we submit to the authority of the King. When Jesus begins speaking with his disciples he clarifies that although the Kingdom is among them, it is also still coming (in another sense). There is both a present reality to the Kingdom, as well as a future reality. In His first coming Christ was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), but in His second coming He will appear without reference to sin, completing the final salvation of His people (Hebrews 9:28). The coming of the future Kingdom will be gloriously displayed in unmistakable majestic fashion. So unmistakeable, in fact, that even the Pharisees will not miss it.
– Are you living in the reality of the Kingdom of Christ? Is He your King? Are you living in anticipation of His glorious second coming when the Kingdom is fully consummated?