Luke 17 - Printer Friendly

What does Luke 17 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

In the section sometimes called "Jesus' Travelogue to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51—19:27), Jesus prepares the disciples. They must be ready to witness His death and resurrection and then build the church. That building process requires teaching believers about the kingdom of God: the influence, power, and authority of God in creation. Jesus' first coming—His birth—inaugurated the kingdom, and His work will be completely fulfilled at His second coming. Until then, it will be the work of His disciples to live as citizens and ambassadors of that kingdom. They are to invite others in so they can live lives glorifying God and experiencing His love and presence in eternity. Luke 17 lists several responsibilities expected of those who live in God's kingdom: proper understanding of sin, faith, humble service, thanks, and watchfulness.

The travelogue is notoriously difficult to organize. However, Luke 16:1—17:10 seem to detail behaviors which do not reflect kingdom living. Luke 17:11—18:34 is the third of four groupings that start with a miracle and continue with more general teachings about the kingdom. These teachings are not necessarily presented in strict chronological order; if Luke found an event or a lesson that matched a passage's theme, he had no problem inserting it. The "orderly account" Luke promised Theophilus is often thematic, not always chronological (Luke 1:1–4).

In Luke 17:1–10, Jesus corrects thoughts and behaviors inconsistent with being citizens of God's kingdom. He is especially focused on leadership. First, He speaks about the disciples' responsibilities regarding others' sin. Their teaching must never tempt someone. They must confront others about their sin. They must forgive everyone who sincerely repents no matter how often (Luke 17:1–4). As if such responsibilities are too difficult, Jesus corrects the disciples' understanding of the power of their faith. Their ability to serve the kingdom is not dependent on the size of their faith but on the God in whom they have faith (Luke 17:5–6). Finally, Jesus again reminds the disciples that they are servants. Following Him does not mean using Him or their positions for their own gain (Luke 17:7–10).

Luke 17:11–19 begins a section which includes a series of comparisons. Ten lepers maintain a respectful distance while begging Jesus to heal them. He sends them off to the priests: a necessary step for someone to be declared healed. As they go, they realize they are all healed, but only one man, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. Jesus praises his faith.

In Luke 17:20–37, Jesus makes several comparisons regarding reactions to the kingdom of God. Pharisees still look for God's kingdom while Jesus' followers know better. They realize His ministry is the in-breaking of the kingdom on earth. There will be a day when His disciples long for Him, and false prophets will come to proclaim false messiahs. But Jesus will return with flashes of lightning across the sky. First He will suffer and be rejected in His own time. When Jesus returns, many will be caught off guard, living normal lives like those in the days of Noah and Lot; Jesus' followers need to watch the signs and be ready.

In the next chapter, Luke continues the pattern of comparisons. A persistent widow receives justice from a corrupt judge. A tax collector shows more humble faith than a self-righteous Pharisee. Trusting children receive the kingdom of God while a devout ruler hesitates if it means losing his possessions. The section ends with Jesus, once again, warning the disciples of His coming death. The chapter ends with the healing of a blind beggar as Jesus travels through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem.

Luke 17:1–4 records Jesus' comments about sin from three different angles. First is our responsibility not to teach something leading others astray. Second is our responsibility to confront others with their sin. Third is our responsibility to forgive those who repent of their sin. These topics are also covered in Matthew 18:7, 15–22 and Mark 9:42. Luke completes this section of teachings on kingdom living with Jesus' words about the power of faith and our humble position before God (Luke 17:5–10).

Luke 17:5–6 is Jesus' explanation of how His disciples can accomplish the hard tasks He's set before them: with the smallest amount of faith. Luke has gathered a collection of teachings about faithfulness with money, hardened hearts, valuing the kingdom of God, and the responsibilities the disciples have for others' sin (Luke 16:1—17:4). Only faith can empower us to apply these truths to our lives. Matthew 17:20 includes a similar sentiment, although it is a mountain that is moved, not a mulberry tree.

Luke 17:7–10 finishes the collection of teachings about kingdom living in a fallen world. This ends as it began: with a parable. Even if we teach truth and live in faith, we still need the proper attitude. These things are the least we can do. We should not expect rewards for doing the bare minimum. Even so, this section is surrounded by accounts of Jesus' healing power, His offer of salvation, and how we can enter God's kingdom (Luke 13:10—15:32; 17:11—19:27). We do not deserve God's blessings, but He loves to bless us, nonetheless.

Luke 17:11–19 begins a series of comparisons. Here, a thankful Samaritan contrasts with others who seem less expressive. Next, Jesus compares false messiahs to His own second coming and the negligence of people in the end times with the disciples who look for His coming (Luke 17:20–37). In chapter 18, the comparisons continue: a persistent widow and a corrupt judge (Luke 18:1–8), a proud Pharisee and a repentant tax collector (Luke 18:9–14), a trusting child and a ruler attached to his wealth (Luke 18:15–30).

Luke 17:20–21 is an introduction to Jesus' end times discourse as given to His disciples. The Pharisees ask about the kingdom of God. They want independence from Rome, but they don't think a carpenter from Nazareth can make it happen. Jesus tries to make them see—once again—that God's kingdom has arrived. It is present in His teaching and miracles. Following, Jesus explains to His disciples how to recognize the coming "days of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:22–37; Daniel 7:13–14).

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.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 1:04:07 PM