| Series | Gospel of Luke (4) |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Our priorities - 1. O A TATOU FAAMUAMUA |
| Colour | Lanu Efuefu |
Scripture Focus: Luka 17:1-19
He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table,’ and will not rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’” As he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance. They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?” Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”
- Luke 17:1-19 (WEB)
Study:
This passage from Luke reveals profound kingdom values centered on sin, faith, and duty. Jesus warns His disciples of the inevitability of sin and temptations but commands vigilance and forgiveness when others stumble. The call to forgive repeatedly reflects the kingdom standard of mercy and grace. When the apostles ask for increased faith, Jesus teaches that even mustard seed-sized faith can produce mighty results if aligned to God's will. Importantly, Jesus illustrates the attitude of servanthood: a servant fulfills duty without expecting thanks, emphasizing humility in obedience. The healing of the ten lepers shows God’s power, but the focus is on gratitude and recognizing God's work. Only one returns to give thanks—a Samaritan—demonstrating faith connected with gratitude as essential in kingdom living.
Application:
Today, we are called to live out these kingdom values by embracing forgiveness genuinely, even to those who wrong us repeatedly. Our faith, though it may feel small or weak, has great power when placed in Jesus' hands. We should cultivate humility, viewing our service to God and others as a duty, not seeking praise but faithful obedience. The example of the thankful leper reminds us never to take God’s blessings for granted but to offer continual praise and gratitude. Let us examine our hearts to identify where unforgiveness, weak faith, or pride hinder our walk, and renew our commitment to live as faithful and thankful servants under God’s kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I respond when others sin against me? Do I forgive as Jesus commands?
- What steps can I take to grow my faith, even if it seems small?
- In what ways do I serve God and others humbly, recognizing my duty without expecting reward?
- How often do I express gratitude to God for His blessings?
- What can I learn from the thankful leper's example about faith and worship?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, increase our faith and help us to forgive as You teach. Teach us humility and remind us that our service is to You alone. May our hearts overflow with gratitude for your mercies. Help us to live daily as faithful servants, honoring You in all we do. Amen.
Tags: forgiveness, faith, humility, gratitude, servanthood, kingdom values, Luke 17, healing, Jesus teachings, bible study