Luke 17:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

NIV: Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.

NASB: Whoever strives to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will keep it.

CSB: Whoever tries to make his life secure will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

NLT: If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.

KJV: Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

NKJV: Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Jesus is warning His followers about the conditions of the world at His second coming and the judgment He will bring. People will be consumed with the mundane aspects of life on earth. They will build relationships, celebrate life, and accumulate wealth. While they are distracted with worldly pleasures, Jesus will return and destroy them before they know what's happening (Luke 17:22–30).

The only possible way to survive is to leave behind everything the world claims will save. Jesus' followers must not be like Lot's wife: she stopped to consider all she was leaving behind. The burning sulfur God rained on Sodom covered her, as well (Genesis 19:23–26). Those who trust Jesus for their salvation must flee immediately (Luke 17:31–32).

Even then, however, physical survival is not assured. Jesus talked about this earlier. His followers must be willing to sacrifice their physical life as an act of faith. To do so proves we understand that real life—eternal, full life (Romans 6:23)—comes only through Him. Even on the cusp of the millennial kingdom, when survivors who follow Jesus will live under His rule, His followers need to be willing to give up their lives rather than to deny Him in any way (Luke 9:23–25).

The difference between the one who trusts Jesus and the one who trusts things of the world is subtle (1 Samuel 16:7). It's an interior disposition not obvious to others. Family members, neighbors, and dear friends will find themselves separated by what they trust (Luke 17:34–35). Jesus knows His own, and His own will follow Him to paradise (Matthew 25:31–46).

Luke 17:22–37 may create confusion for two reasons. The first is where to place the events in relation to the end times. Are they before the rapture or at the end of the tribulation? The second complication is the placement of Jesus' teaching. Did He deliver this message while traveling through Galilee and Samaria, or outside of Jerusalem during the final week prior to His crucifixion? Ultimately, neither question is as important as the clear message: Jesus' return will be unmistakable, and those who are not ready will suffer greatly. This passage covers similar material to Matthew 24 and Mark 13.

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.