Temptations and Trespasses 1Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It 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. 3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” The Power of Faith 5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6And 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. 7Which 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’? 8Instead, 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’? 9Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told? 10So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” The Ten Lepers 11While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers.a They stood at a distance 13and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”b And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. 15When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He 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? 18Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?” 19Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well!c” The Coming of the Kingdom 20When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. 21Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.d” 22Then 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. 23People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them. 24For 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. 25But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: 27People 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. 28It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30It will be just like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31On 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. 32Remember Lot’s wife! 33Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: one will be taken and the other left. 35Two women will be grinding grain together: one will be taken and the other left.”e 37“Where, Lord?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.” Footnotes: 12 a A leper was one afflicted with a skin disease. See Leviticus 13. 14 b See Leviticus 14:1–32. 19 c Or has saved you 21 d Or within you or within your grasp 35 e TR includes 36Two men will be in the field. One will be taken and the other left; see Matthew 24:40. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 17 Summary The Coming of the KingdomVerses 1–4 – Stumbling Blocks and Forgiveness Verses 5–6 – A Mustard-Seed Faith Verses 7–10 – Duty of Servants Verses 11–19 – Ten Cleansed, One Thankful Verses 20–21 – The Kingdom Among You Verses 22–37 – The Day of the Son of Man In Luke 17, Jesus delivers powerful teachings about the pitfalls of leading others to sin, the duty to forgive, and the significance of faith. He also discusses the humble posture of a dutiful servant and shares the account of ten lepers' healing. Finally, He elaborates on the coming of the Kingdom of God. Context and Setting • Luke situates these teachings during Jesus’ final journey southward to Jerusalem (17:11). He travels the borderlands of Galilee and Samaria, an area where long-standing ethnic tension made a grateful Samaritan especially striking (John 4:9). • The immediate audience shifts: first disciples (v. 1), then apostles (v. 5), next the larger disciple group (v. 22), with Pharisees overhearing (v. 20). Recognizing these shifts keeps each saying in its proper frame. Warnings Against Causing Others to Stumble • “Little ones” likely refers to humble followers (cf. Luke 10:21). Similar imagery: Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42. • A millstone in Galilee weighed hundreds of pounds. Excavated basalt stones from Capernaum illustrate the vivid picture: certain, irreversible judgment. • Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 8:9 extend the principle—believers must guard their liberty so as not to trip others. Forgiveness as the Family Rule of the Kingdom • The command “if he repents, forgive him” echoes God’s own readiness (Psalm 86:5). • “Seven times” recalls Genesis 4:24 (Lamech’s boast). Jesus reverses vengeance culture into repeated reconciliation (Matthew 18:21-22). • Colossians 3:13 urges the same pattern: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Small Faith, Big Results • Mustard seeds (1-2 mm) and black mulberry (sycamore) trees (roots sink 20-30 ft) were common in Israel. Archaeological dig notes at Beth-shan list mulberry roots weaving through limestone, showing Jesus’ hyperbolic but memorable contrast. • The point: genuine trust in God, however modest, taps His limitless power (Mark 11:22-24). Servant Attitude and Kingdom Service • First-century slaves served fieldwork by day, table by night. Roman law demanded no thanks; duty was duty. • Jesus removes entitlement from discipleship. Paul reflects the same tone: “We preach … Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Leprosy, Samaritans, and Gratitude • “Leprosy” covered various skin diseases (Leviticus 13). Lepers lived outside settlements and cried “Unclean!” Archaeological digs near ancient Shechem found isolated caves believed to house such outcasts. • The healing directs them to priests (Leviticus 14) for reintegration. • The lone Samaritan’s “loud voice” glorifying God ties to Psalm 30:2. His gratitude underscores that mercy transcends ethnic boundaries (Luke 10:33). The Present Yet Hidden Kingdom • “In your midst” (v. 21) means the kingdom is present wherever Jesus reigns (compare Romans 14:17). • Disciples live in a “now/not-yet” tension—present rule, future revelation (Hebrews 2:8-9). • Jesus rejects date-setting; the kingdom is discerned spiritually, not by cosmic signs. The Future Revealing of the Son of Man 1. Sudden and public (v. 24; cf. Revelation 1:7). 2. Preceded by rejection and suffering (v. 25; Isaiah 53). 3. Mirroring Noah and Lot: – Normal routines mask impending judgment (Genesis 6:5-7; 19:14). – Rescue for the righteous, ruin for the unprepared. 4. Urgency: Lot’s wife is the caution—looking back equals divided loyalty (Genesis 19:26). 5. Separation at His coming: “One will be taken and the other left.” Parallel in Matthew 24:40-41. 6. Vultures gathering (v. 37) pictures unmissable end-time judgment (Job 39:30). Old Testament Echoes • Millstone warning – Judges 9:53. • Sevenfold forgiveness – Psalm 130:4; Proverbs 24:16. • Mustard-seed growth – Ezekiel 17:22-24 (tiny sprig that becomes a great cedar). • Noah & Lot – Genesis 6-7; 19. • Servant humility – Psalm 123:2. Harmony with Other Gospel Accounts • Matthew 18 and Mark 9 parallel the stumbling-block discourse. • Matthew 24 and Mark 13 expand the eschatology of verses 22-37. • John 13 models servant humility when Jesus washes feet, living out Luke 17:7-10. First-Century Culture and Archaeology • Millstones: heavy basalt “donkey stones” from Capernaum synagogue site show why drowning would be swift. • Sycamore (black mulberry): modern Israeli parks still feature these hardy trees; roots mirror the tenacity Jesus mentions. • Leprosy: texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls Community Rule detail separation practices, confirming biblical instructions. • Samaritan worship: Mount Gerizim temple ruins illustrate the Samaritan alternative to Jerusalem, accenting the outcast’s gratitude. Living It Out Today • Guard the vulnerable in church and family; never excuse actions that lead others into sin. • Keep short accounts—rebuke quickly, forgive just as quickly. • Bring mustard-seed prayers to God instead of waiting for “giant-faith” days. • Serve without scoreboard thinking; obedience is simply our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). • Cultivate thankful hearts—return to Jesus with praise before racing ahead with new blessings. • Embrace the kingdom’s quiet present work while staying alert for the King’s sudden return. Connections to Additional Scriptures Forgiveness Matthew 18:21-22, Ephesians 4:32 Faith Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20 Humility in Service Philippians 2:3-7, Mark 10:45 Kingdom of God Romans 14:17, Matthew 6:33 Teaching Points Faith and ForgivenessJesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, even when it seems difficult. In Luke 17:3-4, He instructs, If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him. This highlights the boundless nature of Christian forgiveness. The Power of Faith In response to the apostles' request to increase their faith, Jesus explains in Luke 17:6, 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. This teaches us that even a small amount of genuine faith can accomplish great things. Humility in Service Jesus uses the parable of the unworthy servants in Luke 17:7-10 to remind us that our service to God is our duty, not something for which we should expect special praise. We are to serve with humility, recognizing that we are merely doing what is required of us. The Coming of the Kingdom In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus tells the Pharisees, The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst. This teaches us that God's kingdom is a present reality, not just a future hope. Practical Applications Practice ForgivenessMake a conscious effort to forgive those who wrong you, reflecting the forgiveness you have received from Christ. Cultivate Faith Nurture your faith through prayer, reading Scripture, and trusting God in all circumstances, no matter how small your faith may seem. Serve with Humility Approach your service to God and others with a humble heart, recognizing that it is a privilege to serve. Live with Kingdom Awareness Be mindful of God's presence and work in your life and the world around you, living as a citizen of His kingdom. People 1. JesusJesus is the central figure in Luke 17, teaching His disciples and performing miracles. He provides instructions on faith, forgiveness, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. In the original Greek, His name is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. The Disciples The disciples are the followers of Jesus who receive His teachings and instructions. They are present throughout the chapter, asking questions and learning from Jesus. The Greek term for disciples is μαθηταί (mathētai), meaning "learners" or "students." 3. The Apostles The apostles are a specific group of disciples who are sent out by Jesus with authority. In Luke 17:5, they ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Greek word for apostles is ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi), meaning "sent ones." 4. The Lepers Ten lepers are mentioned in Luke 17:12-19. They are healed by Jesus, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. The Greek term for leper is λεπροί (leproi), referring to those afflicted with a skin disease. 5. The Samaritan Leper Among the ten lepers, one is specifically identified as a Samaritan. He returns to thank Jesus, demonstrating faith and gratitude. Samaritans were considered outsiders by the Jews, highlighting the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry. 6. The Pharisees The Pharisees are a religious group who question Jesus about the coming of the Kingdom of God in Luke 17:20. The Greek term for Pharisees is Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi), referring to a sect known for strict adherence to the law. Places 1. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in Luke 17, Jerusalem is the ultimate destination of Jesus' journey, as indicated in the broader context of the Gospel of Luke. It is the central city of Jewish worship and the location where significant events in Jesus' life and ministry occur. 2. Samaria In Luke 17:11, it is mentioned that Jesus was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee. Samaria was a region inhabited by the Samaritans, who were often at odds with the Jews due to historical and religious differences. The Greek term "Σαμάρεια" (Samareia) refers to this region. 3. Galilee Also in Luke 17:11, Galilee is mentioned as the region Jesus was traveling through. Galilee is a significant area in Jesus' ministry, known for being the location of many of His teachings and miracles. The Greek term "Γαλιλαία" (Galilaia) is used for this region. Events 1. Warnings about Causing Others to Sin (Luke 17:1-2)Jesus warns His disciples about the seriousness of causing others, especially "little ones," to stumble. He states, "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." 2. Teaching on Forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4) Jesus instructs His followers to rebuke a brother who sins and to forgive him if he repents, even if he sins and repents seven times in a day. The Greek word for "forgive" here is "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi), which means to let go or release. 3. Faith as a Mustard Seed (Luke 17:5-6) The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. He responds by saying that faith as small as a mustard seed can uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea, emphasizing the power of genuine faith. 4. The Duty of Servants (Luke 17:7-10) Jesus uses a parable to illustrate that servants should not expect thanks for doing their duty. He concludes with, "So you also, when you have done everything commanded you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’" 5. Healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) As Jesus travels to Jerusalem, He heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. Jesus highlights the importance of gratitude and faith, saying, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." 6. The Coming of the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21) When asked by the Pharisees about the coming of the kingdom of God, Jesus replies that it is not something observable, stating, "The kingdom of God is in your midst." 7. The Days of the Son of Man (Luke 17:22-25) Jesus speaks to His disciples about the days of the Son of Man, warning them not to be deceived by false claims of His presence. He compares His coming to lightning that lights up the sky. 8. The Days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30) Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man to the days of Noah and Lot, when people were unaware of impending judgment until it was too late. He emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return. 9. Warnings about the Day of the Son of Man (Luke 17:31-33) Jesus warns that on the day of His return, people should not look back or cling to their possessions, using the example of Lot's wife. He states, "Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it." 10. The Separation at the End Times (Luke 17:34-37) Jesus describes a future separation, where two people will be in one place, and one will be taken while the other left. The disciples ask where this will happen, and Jesus cryptically replies, "Where there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather." Lessons from Luke 17 1. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed 2. The Call to Forgive 3. The Humble Servant's Heart 4. Gratitude in Action 5. The Kingdom of God is Within You 6. The Days of the Son of Man 7. Remember Lot's Wife 8. The Cost of Discipleship 9. The Suddenness of His Coming 10. The Importance of Prayer and Persistence Topics 1. Warnings about Causing Others to Sin (Luke 17:1-2)Jesus warns His disciples about the seriousness of causing others, especially "little ones," to stumble in their faith. The Greek word for "stumble" is "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizō), which implies causing someone to fall into sin or lose faith. 2. The Necessity of Forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4) Jesus instructs His followers on the importance of forgiveness, even if someone sins against them multiple times. The Greek term "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi) is used for "forgive," meaning to let go or release. 3. Faith as a Mustard Seed (Luke 17:5-6) The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, and He responds by illustrating that faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things. The mustard seed symbolizes something small yet potent. 4. The Duty of Servants (Luke 17:7-10) Jesus uses the analogy of a servant's duty to highlight the attitude of humility and service expected of His followers. The Greek word "δοῦλος" (doulos) refers to a bond-servant, emphasizing complete devotion. 5. The Cleansing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. This passage highlights themes of gratitude and faith. The Greek word "εὐχαριστέω" (eucharisteō) is used for "give thanks." 6. The Coming of the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21) Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not coming with observable signs but is already among them. The Greek phrase "ἐντὸς ὑμῶν" (entos hymōn) can be translated as "within you" or "in your midst." 7. The Days of the Son of Man (Luke 17:22-37) Jesus describes the coming of the Son of Man, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot. He emphasizes readiness and the suddenness of His return. The term "ἡμέραι" (hēmerai) refers to "days," indicating a period of time. Themes 1. Stumbling Blocks and ForgivenessJesus warns about the inevitability of stumbling blocks and the severe consequences for those who cause others to sin. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, even if someone sins repeatedly. ^“It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!”^ (Luke 17:1) The Greek word for "stumbling blocks" is "σκάνδαλα" (skandala), which refers to anything that causes someone to fall into sin. 2. Faith and Duty Jesus teaches about the power of faith, even as small as a mustard seed, and the attitude of a servant fulfilling their duty without expecting praise. ^“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.”^ (Luke 17:6) The Greek word for "faith" is "πίστις" (pistis), indicating trust and belief in God’s power. 3. Gratitude and Healing The account of the ten lepers highlights the importance of gratitude. Only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus for healing, demonstrating the value of recognizing God’s work in our lives. ^“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.”^ (Luke 17:15) The Greek word for "healed" is "ἰάομαι" (iaomai), meaning to cure or restore to health. 4. The Coming of the Kingdom Jesus speaks about the nature of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its spiritual presence rather than a physical manifestation. ^“The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”^ (Luke 17:20-21) The Greek word for "kingdom" is "βασιλεία" (basileia), referring to the reign or rule of God. 5. The Day of the Son of Man Jesus describes the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return, urging readiness and vigilance. ^“For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day.”^ (Luke 17:24) The term "Son of Man" is "υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (huios tou anthrōpou), a title Jesus uses for Himself, emphasizing His role in divine judgment. 6. Judgment and Readiness Jesus uses the examples of Noah and Lot to illustrate the need for readiness and the consequences of being unprepared for judgment. ^“It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.”^ (Luke 17:28) The Greek word for "days" is "ἡμέραι" (hēmerai), indicating a period marked by specific events or conditions. Prayer Points Pray for the strength to forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.Ask God to increase your faith and help you trust Him in all areas of your life. Seek a humble heart that delights in serving God and others without seeking recognition. Pray for an awareness of God's kingdom and His work in your life and community. As we reflect on Luke 17, may we be inspired to live lives marked by faith, forgiveness, humility, and a deep awareness of God's kingdom. Let us strive to embody these principles in our daily walk with Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can a mustard-seed-sized faith literally uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea (Luke 17:6) without defying known physical laws? 2. What historical or medical evidence supports the ten lepers’ instantaneous healing (Luke 17:11–19)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What insights does Jesus' teaching on leading others to sin provide on our responsibilities towards others? 2. How does Jesus' command to forgive 'seven times' challenge our approach to forgiveness? 3. How does the parable of the mustard seed inspire your understanding and cultivation of faith? 4. How does Jesus' teaching about the dutiful servant shape your understanding of service? 5. How does the account of the ten lepers enhance your understanding of gratitude? 6. What do you learn from Jesus' responses to the Pharisees' questions about the coming Kingdom? 7. How does Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom's coming challenge your perspective on life and readiness for Christ's return? 8. What practical steps can you take to increase your faith as the disciples asked Jesus? 9. How can you apply Jesus' teaching on forgiveness in your daily life? 10. How does Jesus' teaching on servitude impact your understanding of Christian duties and rewards? 11. How can you cultivate a grateful heart like the Samaritan leper in your walk with God? 12. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on the coming Kingdom affect your sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel? 13. How does this chapter challenge societal norms and expectations about faith, forgiveness, service, and the end times? 14. How does Jesus' warning about the suddenness of His coming influence your spiritual preparation? 15. How does Jesus' reference to the days of Noah and Lot inform your understanding of His return? 16. How can you ensure you don't overlook God's Kingdom within or among you as the Pharisees did? 17. How can Jesus' teaching on repentance in this chapter guide you in restoring broken relationships? 18. How does this chapter help in developing a servant's heart and humble attitude in your Christian service? 19. How does the story of the ten lepers inform your approach to responding to God's blessings in your life? 20. How can these teachings guide us in living as faithful and ready followers of Christ in the present-day world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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