Main Highlights
Jesus teaches about faith, service, gratitude, and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Key Verses
“He said to the disciples, “Offenses are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble."— Luke 17:1-2
"And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”"— Luke 17:5
““Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”"— Luke 17:17-18
"The Pharisees asked Him when the kingdom of God was coming, and He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”— Luke 17:20-21
Related Scripture
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."— Hebrews 11:6
Scholar Insight
"“The kingdom of God has always been the end that Jesus announced, and the faith of his disciples is the means to enter and participate in it.” - Darrell L. Bock, Luke 9:51-24:53 (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is a God of justice who holds people accountable for their actions, particularly those who cause others to stumble (Luke 17:1-2). He is worthy of praise and gratitude (Luke 17:15-18). He is also the source of faith (Luke 17:5).
Christological Connection
Jesus is the one teaching about faith, forgiveness, the Kingdom of God, and the importance of gratitude. He also demonstrates his power to heal and cleanse (Luke 17:11-19).
Systematic Theology
The Kingdom of God is a central concept. Jesus describes it as not being tied to observable signs, but rather as being present among them (Luke 17:20-21). Eschatology, the study of end times, is touched upon in the predictions about the coming of the Son of Man (Luke 17:22-37).
Law & Grace
The healing of the ten lepers highlights the theme of grace. Jesus heals them, not because they earned it, but out of his compassion. Only one returns to express gratitude, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's grace. The discussion of offenses and forgiveness touches on the law's demand for justice and the need for grace in dealing with sin (Luke 17:1-4).
Personal Application
We should strive to live lives of faith, asking God to increase our faith (Luke 17:5). We should be quick to forgive others (Luke 17:3-4). We should be grateful for God's blessings and express our gratitude to him (Luke 17:15-19). We should live in anticipation of the coming of the Kingdom of God, but not be overly focused on signs and dates (Luke 17:20-37). “Behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21)