Luke 17
March Memory Verse: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 NIV
Read: Luke 17
I’ve gone through seasons in my faith that my own sin has so overwhelmed me that I could not understand how God could accept me. Jesus makes a distinction here in Luke 17 verse 1, stumbling is inevitable. We have not, nor will we in this life, attain sinless perfection. However, that is very different than leading someone else into sin. Instead of concrete boots like in the mob movies, Jesus said it’s better that a person drowns by having a millstone tied around their neck—that’s brutal. This shows just how serious sin is, but here again is incredible forgiveness.
Jesus knows we will sin and that people will sin against us. If they ask for forgiveness, we must grant it as many times as they ask. What about the person that keeps hurting me? While the Bible discusses wisdom and when to separate ourselves from others, trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Proverbs has a lot to say about the fool, but trusting them highly isn’t on the list—forgiving a fool for their foolishness is. God continues offering his full affection knowing that we will offend Him over and over in our sin. As much as we are willing to repent, He is ready to forgive.
God’s forgiveness does not grant license to treat sin casually. As Tim says, “God does not wink at our sin.” How we respond in forgiveness says a lot about how seriously we understand our sin. This example is clearly seen in the story of the ten lepers.
One of my seminary professors shared the story in this way. Jesus healed the ten lepers. They did as instructed and went to show themselves to the priests—per the Mosaic Law. However, one of the ten came, falling on his face, thanking Jesus for cleansing him. But, here is the critical difference.
One day far in the future, we might imagine these men bouncing their grandchild on their knee. The grandchild looks up and asks, “Grandaddy, what was the best day of your life?” In great detail the 9 lepers would share how they had leprosy, how when they walked they had to shout to passersby, “LEPER,” “LEPER,” “LEPER!” so that no one would get too close. Each of them would say, “For years, no one touched me. For years, no one looked me in the eyes. All that time I felt less than human. The greatest day of my life was when I was healed from my leprosy.”
However, when the one leper told his story to his grandchild, he would finish, “For years, no one touched me. For years, no one looked me in the eyes. All that time I felt less than human. The greatest day of my life was when I met the man who healed me from my leprosy.”
We who have experienced God’s forgiveness, must be careful that we not value forgiveness over the One who forgave. In each vignette of Luke 17, what must not be missed is the incredible importance of the One who forgives.
How do we forgive, avoid tempting others and offer unending forgiveness? Because we know the One who forgives.
How do we increase our faith? We must know the One who forgives.
How do we serve faithfully in humility? We must know the One who forgives.
How do we prepare for that great and terrible day? We must know the One who forgives.
Don’t love the gift more than the Giver. It is that we may know Him that He has done so much.
By: Tyler Short
Read: Luke 17
I’ve gone through seasons in my faith that my own sin has so overwhelmed me that I could not understand how God could accept me. Jesus makes a distinction here in Luke 17 verse 1, stumbling is inevitable. We have not, nor will we in this life, attain sinless perfection. However, that is very different than leading someone else into sin. Instead of concrete boots like in the mob movies, Jesus said it’s better that a person drowns by having a millstone tied around their neck—that’s brutal. This shows just how serious sin is, but here again is incredible forgiveness.
Jesus knows we will sin and that people will sin against us. If they ask for forgiveness, we must grant it as many times as they ask. What about the person that keeps hurting me? While the Bible discusses wisdom and when to separate ourselves from others, trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Proverbs has a lot to say about the fool, but trusting them highly isn’t on the list—forgiving a fool for their foolishness is. God continues offering his full affection knowing that we will offend Him over and over in our sin. As much as we are willing to repent, He is ready to forgive.
God’s forgiveness does not grant license to treat sin casually. As Tim says, “God does not wink at our sin.” How we respond in forgiveness says a lot about how seriously we understand our sin. This example is clearly seen in the story of the ten lepers.
One of my seminary professors shared the story in this way. Jesus healed the ten lepers. They did as instructed and went to show themselves to the priests—per the Mosaic Law. However, one of the ten came, falling on his face, thanking Jesus for cleansing him. But, here is the critical difference.
One day far in the future, we might imagine these men bouncing their grandchild on their knee. The grandchild looks up and asks, “Grandaddy, what was the best day of your life?” In great detail the 9 lepers would share how they had leprosy, how when they walked they had to shout to passersby, “LEPER,” “LEPER,” “LEPER!” so that no one would get too close. Each of them would say, “For years, no one touched me. For years, no one looked me in the eyes. All that time I felt less than human. The greatest day of my life was when I was healed from my leprosy.”
However, when the one leper told his story to his grandchild, he would finish, “For years, no one touched me. For years, no one looked me in the eyes. All that time I felt less than human. The greatest day of my life was when I met the man who healed me from my leprosy.”
We who have experienced God’s forgiveness, must be careful that we not value forgiveness over the One who forgave. In each vignette of Luke 17, what must not be missed is the incredible importance of the One who forgives.
How do we forgive, avoid tempting others and offer unending forgiveness? Because we know the One who forgives.
How do we increase our faith? We must know the One who forgives.
How do we serve faithfully in humility? We must know the One who forgives.
How do we prepare for that great and terrible day? We must know the One who forgives.
Don’t love the gift more than the Giver. It is that we may know Him that He has done so much.
By: Tyler Short
16 Comments
Great word today Tyler! Thanks for encouraging me.
Thanks Tim!
An old friend used to say, "I'll just be glad to have the cheap seats when I get to heaven." I think he was well meaning, but it always bothered me to picture that "cheap seats" existed after standing before the cross and seeing my Savior die. Instead I imagine my old friend meant to say what we see in verse 10, "...We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."
That phrase "unworthy servants" really stands out. Humility is key.
Great stuff, Tyler!
I love what you said, "be careful that we not value forgiveness over the One who forgave". That is similar to another saying, "don't worship creation, worship the Creator". In both cases, it is the Person, the relationship, that truly matters. Value a relationship with Jesus, not what Jesus can do for you. That subtle difference matters!
Good word
I really enjoyed your words today Tyler, they offered an excellent insight into the passage! I specifically liked your reminder that trust and forgiveness should not be held on the same level. I think it is extremely easy to have a mindset these days that, when trust is broken, forgiveness is no longer an option. But I thought it was very refreshing to be reminded that forgiveness is something that God does daily for those who have a true willingness to repent.
Well said Sarah. Forgiveness is easy to discuss at this level but a hard lesson to learn. It takes a lot of practice and trust in the Lord to forgive freely. Once we see the Lord's faithfulness as we live with forgiveness and thankful hearts, it gets easier I think.
I love that distinction too, between trust and forgiveness. Such good comments today!
I have a question: Jesus says "if they repent forgive them." I never noticed before that He said "if they repent." Does that mean you don't forgive those who don't repent? Hmmmm. Comments?
Good word Jackie.
I agree, Jackie. I choose to forgive because if I don't it not only hurts me and hurts my witness.
Good word Jackie.
That's a good question! I believe ultimately, and in light of the verses that follow, Jesus is pointing us to the vastness of our call to forgiveness, not the narrowing or giving of exception.
Whether or not someone repents doesn't justify my sinning in response through resentment, bitterness, harboring judgement, anger, slander, malice, etc. A license to be unforgiving doesn't seem to fit with the rest of scripture and my call to love my enemies and the work of sanctification in my life as I am conformed into the image of Christ.
Good word Jackie.
I agree, Jackie. I choose to forgive because if I don't it not only hurts me and hurts my witness.
Good word Jackie.
That's a good question. I think that we have to offer forgiveness even without a person asking for it, because forgiveness is so damaging. The Bible does have some words on how to treat the unrepentant, but we can't live controlled by others.
Good word Jackie.
I agree, Jackie. I choose to forgive because if I don't it not only hurts me and hurts my witness.
Good word Jackie.
That's a good question! I believe ultimately, and in light of the verses that follow, Jesus is pointing us to the vastness of our call to forgiveness, not the narrowing or giving of exception.
Whether or not someone repents doesn't justify my sinning in response through resentment, bitterness, harboring judgement, anger, slander, malice, etc. A license to be unforgiving doesn't seem to fit with the rest of scripture and my call to love my enemies and the work of sanctification in my life as I am conformed into the image of Christ.
Good word Jackie.
I agree, Jackie. I choose to forgive because if I don't it not only hurts me and hurts my witness.
Good word Jackie.
Great perspective on things. We should be thankful for the forgiveness, but it wouldn't be possible without the one who forgives! We should worship God, not what he has done or is able to do. What he does is a product of who he is. He should get all of our praise!
Thanks Scottie.
Love that, Tyler-we need not value the forgiveness as much as the forgiver! Now that is one to ponder and examine myself!!!