Scripture reading – Luke 17
Our chronological reading of the Scriptures continues with today’s devotional from Luke 17.
Four Spiritual Principles (guidelines) For Life in a Sin Cursed World (Luke 17:1-10)
As we draw nearer the Cross, we find Jesus’ teaching moving from parables to specific spiritual principles. Consider four guidelines or cautions the LORD imparted to His disciples regarding their lives, relationships, and sojourn.
The first: “It were better for him [a man or woman] that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:2). Understanding offenses are inevitable in a sin-cursed society, Jesus warned: Offend, discourage, or lead a younger or weaker believer astray, and you will invoke God’s wrath (Luke 17:1-2).
A second principle was a command to address offenses as they arise: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (17:3). Some offenses are so grave we dare not overlook them, otherwise, we give place to bitterness. What should we do when offended by another believer’s words and sinful actions? We are to go with a spirit of meekness (Galatians 6:1), “rebuke him” (meaning to address the sin, Luke 17:3), and be ready to forgive (Luke 17:4).
The third principle was the essential nature of faith, and it was summed up in this: “Faith as a grain of mustard seed” [i.e., the smallest seed known in Israel] is powerful (Luke 17:5-6).
The final guideline was to obey the LORD, for as a servant is duty bound to serve his master (Luke 17:7-9), so is a believer to serve the LORD (Luke 17:10). A follower of Christ has no cause or grounds for pride or boasting. When we have served the LORD faithfully, let it be said, “We have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).
A Blessed Attitude of Gratitude (Luke 17:11-19)
Luke 17:11 reminds us that Jesus was on His final journey to Jerusalem. With the shadow of the Cross growing nearer, Jesus passed “through the midst of Samaria and Galilee” (Luke 17:11). As “He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off” (Luke 17:12). Those pitiful souls cried out to the LORD, and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:12-13).
Jesus then commanded the lepers, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests” (a requirement of the law, Leviticus 14:1-32), and “as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).
Though the ten were healed of that horrific, disfiguring disease, only one “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16).
Notice the phrase, “He was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:16)
“Misery loves company” is a trite saying that aptly describes the unity of the ten lepers before they encountered Jesus and were healed. The ten had experienced the shame and sorrow of being outcasts of society and isolated from their families, friends, and neighbors. Oh, the rejoicing when they were healed! Yet, only one, a Samaritan, expressed sincere gratitude to Jesus and “glorified God” (Luke 17:15). He, evidencing his faith in Christ, worshiped Him! (Luke 17:16).
As a Samaritan, he had known rejection throughout his life in Israel. He had borne not only the scars of leprosy but the scorn of the Jews who looked upon his lineage with disdain. Yet, he alone was thankful. He demonstrated the humility of one profoundly aware that he was the object of God’s grace. So, he turned back to the LORD, “and with a loud voice glorified God” (Luke 17:15).
Jesus then asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17); “There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger” (Luke 17:18).
Why a “stranger?” (Luke 17:18-19)
He was a foreigner and not numbered among the Hebrews of Abraham’s lineage. Unlike the nine ungrateful men who were Jews by lineage, he was born a “stranger” from God’s covenant promises with Israel. He felt his unworthiness. Yet, though he was a “stranger,” he was nevertheless the object of God’s saving grace and was transformed physically and spiritually.
Jesus commanded him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19). He was not only whole in body but also spiritually, for his healing and gratitude were evidence of his faith! By faith in Christ, he was delivered from leprosy and the curse of sin!
Closing thought –
How about you? Are you whole? You can be whole by turning from sin, putting your faith and trust in Christ, and receiving Him as your Savior. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I close with the words of the late evangelist Dr. Bob Jones Sr. He challenged generations of college students:
“Give God your heart, and He will comb the kinks out of your head.” (Bob Jones Sr.)
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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