Luke 17 begins with Jesus warning the disciples about causing little ones to stumble. He then tells them to confront those who sin against them, and if they repent, forgive them. At hearing that, the followers of Jesus asked Him to increase their faith. “He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (verse 9) Jesus went on to teach them that when they do that which they had been told to do, they should not expect accolades or gratitude, but rather recognize that they have done their duty. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus came across ten men on the border between Samaria and Galilee who asked Him to have pity on them. “When Jesus saw them, He said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.” (verse 14) Of the ten, only one returned to Jesus and fell at His feet giving Him thanks. Jesus told him that his “faith had made him well.” The chapter closes with a Pharisee asking when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus warned the disciples not to follow after those who claimed that He had returned, for instead it will be obvious as lighting that lights up the sky. People will be doing life as usual, and He will come and be revealed. Jesus warns that no one should go back and collect possessions, but rather ought to go and not look back. Pairs of people will be doing ordinary things and one will disappear and the other will remain.
When tempted by sin,
don’t tempt others too;
instead choose repent,
to the Lord stay true.
Choose let others know,
when they have done wrong;
if they choose repent,
forgive all day long.
No expectations,
of gaining reward;
instead do duties,
by grace He affords.
In all things give thanks,
for what He has done;
honor His goodness,
the Most Holy One.
And when people speak,
of Jesus return;
wait for promised signs,
that through Him we learn.
When He has called us,
to go or to do;
rise and move forward,
don’t pause or review.
Trust in His goodness,
rely on His grace;
do as He asks us,
’til we see His face.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us how to live and love like You. Thank You that You call us to live upright and to walk in forgiveness and love. Forgive us for the times that we have strayed from the path You placed before us. Teach us to listen and obey so that we walk in Your way in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us as You intended us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for growing our faith, give thanks for the healing You do, and watch for the signs of when You return. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
My soul clings to You; Your right hand reaches down and holds me up. – Psalm 63:8