Luke 17
Vs 1 Stumble….
Vs 3-4 you must forgive
Vs 5 Mark 9:24
Vs 6 size of Faith
Vs 7-10 non optional
Vs. 11-13. Called out loudly?
Vs. 14-16 thank you
Vs 17 -19 FAITH !
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NOTES
Stumbling blocks (4625)(skandalon from a root meaning jump up, snap shut) was originally the piece of wood that kept open a trap for animals. The animal would hit the bait stick, trigger the trap and be ensnared. The word came to be used spiritually of any enticement to sin, especially sin that led to defection from the faith. For example, it might be behavior that would cause a weaker brother to fall into sin (Ro 14:13) or false teaching that was crafted to subtly turn the unsuspected away from the truth (“those who cause dissensions and hindrances [stumbling blocks] contrary to the teaching which you learned” – Ro 16:17–note). In short, to put a stumbling-block in someone’s way is to do or say something that causes another person to trip or get off the path of following the Lord. The fate of stumbling blocks is described in Mt 13:41. Not every stumbling block is sinful for Jesus Himself is called an “offense” (stumbling block) to those who “stumble over” Him and refuse to believe in Him. So as always context is important when looking at the meaning of a specific Greek word.
https://www.preceptaustin.org/luke-17-commentary
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Thus skandalon was literally, that movable part of a trap on which the bait was laid, and when touched caused the trap to close on its prey. Skandalon thus came to mean any entanglement of the foot. Figuratively, as used most often in Scripture, skandalon refers to any person or thing by which one is drawn into error or sin.
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Jesus’ disciples experienced such a crisis of faith when He told them that they would have to rise to levels of forgiveness and mercy previously unknown to them (Luke 17:3-5). Yet He responded to their lack of faith by pointing out that it takes only a small amount of obedient trust in Him to put the power of heaven at their disposal (v.6).
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FORGIVE
Jesus’ disciples experienced such a crisis of faith when He told them that they would have to rise to levels of forgiveness and mercy previously unknown to them (Luke 17:3-5). Yet He responded to their lack of faith by pointing out that it takes only a small amount of obedient trust in Him to put the power of heaven at their disposal (v.6).
The aorist imperative calls for a specific act which is complete, but the completed act may be repeated, if necessary
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Prodigal Example
Now I might add at this point, since it is not our “natural” inclination to forgive, a forgiving attitude in our hearts is best stimulated supernaturally by the Holy Spirit energizing us giving us the desire to forgive and the power to carry through with forgiving
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Faith is not measured by its quantity, but simply by its presence. A mustard seed sized faith will accomplish impossible things. The real need, Jesus says (Lk 17:7-10), is for more obedience and humility. We should view ourselves as God’s slaves who owe Him simple and unquestioning obedience. And, when we have done what He requires, we should not get puffed up with pride in our great obedience, but should simply say, “We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.”
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John MacArthur says that increase our faith “was a humble, honest admission of weakness on their part. The Greek verb translated increase means “to add to,” “supplement,” “develop,” or “grow.” They were not denying that they possessed faith, but doubted that it was sufficiently strong. What Jesus demanded in this context seemed to them to be an impossible standard to live up to. It was completely contrary to what they had been taught by the religious leaders.
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What they are about to face
– murder
– attack
– later treated like Jesus
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The apostles’ request was the same as the request of the distraught father in Mk 9:24“Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
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