Luke 17
BSB1 Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him." 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!" 6 And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. 7 Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told? 10 So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’" 11 While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance 13 and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. 15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 “Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine? 18 Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?" 19 Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well! “ 20 When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. 21 Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst. “ 22 Then He said to the disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them. 24 For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: 27 People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It will be just like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions. Likewise, let no one in the field return for anything he has left behind. 32 Remember Lot’s wife! 33 Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: One will be taken and the other left. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together: One will be taken and the other left." 37 “Where, Lord?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather."
Study Notes — Luke 17
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 17
- Themes from Luke 17
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 17
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 17 begins with Jesus teaching his disciples about the importance of faith and forgiveness, warning them against causing others to stumble and emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude (Luke 17:1-4). Jesus then heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank him, illustrating the importance of gratitude and worship (Luke 17:11-19). The chapter also includes a discussion about the kingdom of God, with Jesus emphasizing that it is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them (Luke 17:20-21). The chapter concludes with a warning about the dangers of complacency and the need to be prepared for Jesus' return, using the parable of the faithful servant to illustrate the importance of being ready and faithful (Luke 17:22-37).
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 17 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he will ultimately be crucified and resurrected (Luke 9:51-19:44). The chapter is situated in the context of Jesus' teachings and parables, which emphasize the importance of living a life of humility, gratitude, and obedience to God. The chapter also looks forward to Jesus' return, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and faithful in their service to him.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to live a life of faith, forgiveness, and gratitude, trusting in God's power and provision and seeking to honor him in all that we do. We must also be prepared for Jesus' return, seeking to be faithful and obedient to his will, and cultivating a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving in our relationship with him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 17 teaches us about the importance of faith, forgiveness, and gratitude, and emphasizes the need to be prepared for Jesus' return. We see this through the healing of the ten lepers, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving healing and forgiveness (Luke 17:11-19). We are also warned against the dangers of complacency, and are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving in our relationship with God.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is the eye that sees the invisible, the ear that hears the inaudible, and the hand that grasps the intangible.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The kingdom of God is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among us, and which will be fully realized in the future.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Faith (Luke 17:1-10) — Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6).
- The Healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) — Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19).
- The Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21) — Jesus discusses the kingdom of God, emphasizing that it is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them (Luke 17:20-21).
- The Danger of Complacency (Luke 17:22-37) — Jesus warns against the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the need to be prepared for his return and to be faithful in our service to him (Luke 17:22-37).
- The Parable of the Faithful Servant (Luke 17:22-37) — Jesus tells the parable of the faithful servant, who is prepared and faithful in his service to his master, illustrating the importance of being prepared and faithful in our service to God.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6).
- The Doctrine of Forgiveness
- Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of forgiveness, warning them against causing others to stumble and emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude (Luke 17:1-4).
- The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God
- The chapter includes a discussion about the kingdom of God, with Jesus emphasizing that it is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them (Luke 17:20-21).
- The Doctrine of Gratitude
- The chapter highlights the importance of gratitude, with Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returning to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19).
Lessons from Luke 17
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6).
- The Danger of Complacency — The chapter warns against the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the need to be prepared for Jesus' return and to be faithful in our service to him (Luke 17:22-37).
- The Importance of Gratitude — The chapter highlights the importance of gratitude, with Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returning to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19).
- The Kingdom of God — The chapter includes a discussion about the kingdom of God, with Jesus emphasizing that it is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them (Luke 17:20-21).
- The Parable of the Faithful Servant — The parable of the faithful servant illustrates the importance of being prepared and faithful in our service to God, and emphasizes the need to be ready for Jesus' return (Luke 17:22-37).
Themes from Luke 17
- Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6).
- Forgiveness — Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of forgiveness, warning them against causing others to stumble and emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude (Luke 17:1-4).
- The Kingdom of God — The chapter includes a discussion about the kingdom of God, with Jesus emphasizing that it is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them (Luke 17:20-21).
- Gratitude — The chapter highlights the importance of gratitude, with Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returning to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19).
- Complacency — The chapter warns against the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the need to be prepared for Jesus' return and to be faithful in our service to him (Luke 17:22-37).
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus mean by 'faith as small as a mustard seed' (Luke 17:6), and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the healing of the ten lepers illustrate the importance of faith and gratitude (Luke 17:11-19)?
- What does Jesus mean by 'the kingdom of God is in your midst' (Luke 17:21), and how can we experience this reality in our own lives?
- What is the danger of complacency, and how can we avoid it in our own lives (Luke 17:22-37)?
- How does the parable of the faithful servant illustrate the importance of being prepared and faithful in our service to God (Luke 17:22-37)?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Faith (Luke 17:1-10)
| 17:1 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of faith, warning them against causing others to stumble and emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude. |
| 17:2 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. |
| 17:3 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of forgiveness, warning them against causing others to stumble and emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude. |
| 17:4 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, highlighting that we must forgive others in order to be forgiven by God. |
| 17:5 | The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, and Jesus responds by teaching them about the importance of faith and the power of God. |
| 17:6 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. |
| 17:7 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of service and obedience to God, emphasizing that we are all servants of God and must seek to please him. |
| 17:8 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude, highlighting that we must seek to please God and not ourselves. |
| 17:9 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of faith and obedience to God, emphasizing that we must trust in God's power and provision. |
| 17:10 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting that we are all unworthy servants and must seek to please God. |
2. The Healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
| 17:11 | Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving. |
| 17:12 | The lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy, and Jesus responds by healing them. |
| 17:13 | The lepers are healed, but only one returns to thank Jesus, illustrating the importance of gratitude and worship. |
| 17:14 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting that the lepers were healed because of their faith. |
| 17:15 | The one leper who returns to thank Jesus is a Samaritan, illustrating the importance of gratitude and worship across cultural and social boundaries. |
| 17:16 | The Samaritan leper falls at Jesus' feet and thanks him, illustrating the importance of humility and gratitude. |
| 17:17 | Jesus asks where the other nine lepers are, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and worship. |
| 17:18 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting that the Samaritan leper was healed because of his faith and gratitude. |
| 17:19 | Jesus tells the Samaritan leper to rise and go, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
3. The Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21)
| 17:20 | The Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God will come, and Jesus responds by teaching them about the nature of the kingdom. |
| 17:21 | Jesus emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not a physical location, but rather a spiritual reality that is already present among them. |
4. The Danger of Complacency (Luke 17:22-37)
| 17:22 | Jesus warns his disciples about the danger of complacency, emphasizing the need to be prepared for his return and to be faithful in their service to him. |
| 17:23 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must not be caught off guard by his return. |
| 17:24 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that his return will be sudden and unexpected. |
| 17:25 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must endure hardship and persecution in order to enter the kingdom of God. |
| 17:26 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that the days of Noah and the days of Lot will be like the days of the Son of Man. |
| 17:27 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that people will be eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, but they must not be caught off guard by his return. |
| 17:28 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that the people of Noah's day and the people of Lot's day were destroyed because of their sin and complacency. |
| 17:29 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must not be like the people of Noah's day and the people of Lot's day, who were destroyed because of their sin and complacency. |
| 17:30 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that his return will be sudden and unexpected, like the flood and the fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| 17:31 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must not look back or be caught off guard by his return. |
| 17:32 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that Lot's wife looked back and was destroyed, illustrating the danger of complacency and the importance of being prepared and faithful. |
| 17:33 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must seek to save their lives by losing them for his sake, and that they must be prepared to give up everything for the sake of the kingdom of God. |
| 17:34 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that two people will be in one bed, and one will be taken and the other left, illustrating the sudden and unexpected nature of his return. |
| 17:35 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that two women will be grinding grain together, and one will be taken and the other left, illustrating the sudden and unexpected nature of his return. |
| 17:36 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, highlighting that his return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night. |
| 17:37 | Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared and faithful, emphasizing that they must be like the vultures that gather around the carcass, illustrating the importance of being prepared and faithful in their service to him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'faith as small as a mustard seed'?
Jesus means that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things, and that true faith is demonstrated through action and obedience to God's will (Luke 17:6).
Why did only one of the ten lepers return to thank Jesus?
The one leper who returned to thank Jesus was a Samaritan, and he was the only one who demonstrated true gratitude and worship, illustrating the importance of humility and gratitude (Luke 17:11-19).
What is the kingdom of God, and how can we experience it?
The kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that is already present among us, and we can experience it by trusting in God's power and provision, and by seeking to please him in all that we do (Luke 17:20-21).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 17:1 → Matthew 18:6 | The warning against causing others to stumble is also found in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of humility and gratitude. |
| 2 | Luke 17:6 → Matthew 17:20 | The teaching about faith as small as a mustard seed is also found in Matthew 17:20, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| 3 | Luke 17:11 → Leviticus 13:1-14:57 | The healing of the ten lepers is reminiscent of the laws regarding leprosy in Leviticus 13:1-14:57, where God provides instructions for the purification and restoration of those who have been afflicted with leprosy. |
| 4 | Luke 17:20 → John 18:36 | The teaching about the kingdom of God is also found in John 18:36, where Jesus emphasizes that his kingdom is not of this world. |
| 5 | Luke 17:22 → 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 | The warning against complacency is also found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where Paul teaches the Thessalonians about the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus. |
| 6 | Luke 17:26 → Genesis 6:1-9:29 | The reference to the days of Noah is also found in Genesis 6:1-9:29, where God provides an account of the flood and the destruction of the wicked. |
| 7 | Luke 17:28 → Genesis 18:1-19:38 | The reference to the days of Lot is also found in Genesis 18:1-19:38, where God provides an account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| 8 | Luke 17:33 → Matthew 16:25 | The teaching about seeking to save one's life by losing it is also found in Matthew 16:25, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of denying oneself and following him. |
| 9 | Luke 17:34 → Matthew 24:40-41 | The reference to two people being in one bed is also found in Matthew 24:40-41, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared for his return. |
| 10 | Luke 17:37 → Job 39:27-30 | The reference to the vultures gathering around the carcass is also found in Job 39:27-30, where God provides an account of the eagle and its habits. |
Sermons on Luke 17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Abraham and Lot by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts off with a lighthearted and humorous tone, wearing a unique outfit and dancing on the platform. However, he quickly transitions to a serious top |
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But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
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As in the Days of Noah & Lot by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying on our feelings but on the witness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He references John Wesley's preaching on R |
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A Lecture for Little-Faith by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and finding gladness in one's heart. It encourages those who have been fasting or feeling sad to anoint thei |
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Thankfulness - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of complaining and murmuring. They emphasize that when we complain or murmur about ourselves, we expose ourselves to negative influe |
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Sodom Had No Bible by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to sin, violence, and the warning signs from God. He mentions the story of Noah and the flood, emphasizing the importa |
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The Days of Noah (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the state of the world and the lack of compassion shown towards those in need. He references a news report about the contras an |
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Escape From the Power and Influence of Sodom by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the need to escape from the influence of sin and corruption, particularly likened to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. It highlights the importance of recogni |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d |
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Forgiving and Being Forgiven by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a troubled church and a man who caused trouble within it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a God- |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 17
Matthew Henry's commentary on Luke 17 emphasizes the importance of faith, gratitude, and obedience to God. Henry notes that Jesus' teachings and parables in this chapter are designed to instruct his disciples in the ways of the kingdom of God, and to prepare them for his return. Henry also highlights the importance of humility and gratitude, as illustrated by the healing of the ten lepers, and the danger of complacency, as warned against in the parable of the faithful servant. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, and seeking to please him in all that we do. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, highlighting that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (Luke 17:6). This is demonstrated through the healing of the ten lepers, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving healing and forgiveness.
The Danger of Complacency
The chapter warns against the dangers of complacency, emphasizing the need to be prepared for Jesus' return and to be faithful in our service to him (Luke 17:22-37). This is highlighted through the parable of the faithful servant, who is prepared and faithful in his service to his master.
The Importance of Gratitude
The chapter highlights the importance of gratitude, with Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returning to thank him, illustrating the importance of worship and thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19). This emphasizes the need for believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving in their relationship with God.