Introduction
Luke 17:1-10: After Jesus reproaches the Pharisees for their faithlessness and self-righteous behavior (see Luke 16), he addresses his disciples and teaches about sin, forgiveness, faith, and service.
Today's Scripture: Luke 17:10b
[Jesus said]: “…when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”
Today's Reading
Sin
(Matthew 18.6,7,21,22; Mark 9.42)
1Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen, but how terrible for the one who makes them happen!2It would be better for him if a large millstone were tied around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.3 So watch what you do!
“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.4If he sins against you seven times in one day, and each time he comes to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Faith
5The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.”
6The Lord answered, “If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!’ and it would obey you.
A Servant's Duty
7“Suppose one of you has a servant who is plowing or looking after the sheep. When he comes in from the field, do you tell him to hurry along and eat his meal?8Of course not! Instead, you say to him, ‘Get my supper ready, then put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may have your meal.’9The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he?10It is the same with you; when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Reflect
What is your understanding of Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (verses 3, 4)? Why do the disciples ask Jesus to make their faith greater (verse 5)? Have you ever felt the need to pray for greater faith? Reread verses 7-10. What do you think it means to be a faithful servant of God?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I turn to you in faith, asking that I grow in knowledge of you. Teach me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. You are my source of true strength, and I thank and praise you for your everlasting love. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Those seeking spiritual strength
Tomorrow's Reading
1 Corinthians 1:1-17: The apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth about problems that have arisen.
1And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sins are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It wou... more