Luke 17 and 18

General Observations:

• It may seem sometimes that Luke’s account is disjointed, seeming to jump from one subject to another. However, as Hendriksen points out, even though the account is not always chronological, Luke does mean for it to be “orderly,” as he states in Luke 1:3. Therefore, we seek to find continuity and theme in this study.
• A class member observed a theme in Luke 18: Dependence on God. As we answered the questions, we saw this emphasis again and again, much like we saw an emphasis on urgency in Luke 13-14.

1. 17:1-6 What should be our attitude toward those who sin against us and repent over and over again?
   Comments: Rebuke him (verse 3 – Also see Galatians 6:1-4), and if he repents, forgive him. Remember that this is an offense against us, not a sin of lifestyle. Rather than rebuking someone who offends us, we tend to avoid that person, which is not good for either party. The offender may go on making the same mistake, and we may have lost a friend because we’ve been too lazy or cowardly to confront the problem.
   In verses 1 and 2, we are warned against causing another to sin; in verses 3-6, we are instructed in how to prevent further sin. In the NKJV, verse 3 reads, “Take heed to yourselves.” Hendricksen translates this “Look out for one another.”
2. 17:7-10 How should we view our service to the Master?
   Comments: As unworthy servants. As our duty, not as some gracious deed for which we should be thanked.
   Continuity I see after reading from Hendriksen’s commentary: To forgive (vv. 3-6) requires help from above, so the apostles ask to increase their faith. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed, which starts small and continues to grow and gain power. in . The servant in the example did only his duty. As our faith grows, so will our gratitude for our position as servants to the King – and to others. We will do more than is our duty to do.
3. 17:11-19 Which of the ten lepers thanked Jesus for healing him?
   Comments: Only a Samaritan. The others went their way – healed, but without giving glory to God – which is what Jesus wanted them to do. They didn’t recognize their dependence on the mercy of God.
4. 17:20-21 Is the kingdom of God spiritual or physical?
   Comments: It’s spiritual – inside of us – but being a Christian affects the physical world around us. The Greek word used here is basileia, which can be translated either kingdom  or kingship, indicating Christ as our Lord and our King. The Jews wanted a kingdom they could see – and show.
5. 17:22-37 Who can predict the Lord’s return?
   Comments: No one. We must always be ready. The final judgment will be sudden and final.
   There was some discussion about whether this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem or to the end of the world. It seems to use the language of both the destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:14-23) and the end of the world (Matthew 24:36-44). The point of Jesus’ teaching here is not to listen to those who claim to have special insight into the return of Christ. When he comes again, everyone will know. As vultures find a body – no matter how remote is may be – so the judgment of Christ will strike those who are not faithful – wherever they are.
6. 18:1-14 What do the stories of the widow and the tax collector teach us about prayer?
   Comments: The widow was persistent in her requests for judgment. The tax collector was humble. The Pharisee, on the other hand, relied on himself to get it all done. Both the widow and the tax collector relied on someone else for help. The justice that God gives may be even greater than what we’ve requested. Again, the theme of dependence on God.
   Note: Whereas the unrighteous judge took his time in gaining justice for the woman, the Lord’s vengeance will come quickly (v. 8).
7. 18:15-17 What did Jesus mean by “as a little child” in verse 17?
   Comments: Having a childlike faith – total dependence on God, never doubting. A child is humble, trusting, never too proud to turn down a gift. Children also show unconditional love. One of the women told the story of a grandchild, expressing his love for his aunt, who has a chronic bronchial condition. “I love your face; I love your breathing tube.”
8. 18:18-30 What kept the young ruler from following Jesus?
   Comments: His dependence on his wealth. People who have visited poorer countries observed that, even in all their poverty, they seem happy. Is it possible that because they don’t have things, they can’t depend on them and therefore they value their relationships more? Jesus loved the young ruler; he knew he would be happiest if he depended on God rather than on his wealth.
   This is not an indictment against being wealthy – only a misplaced dependence on it. People with financial means can do a lot of good with it.
9. 18:31-34 What was the prediction Jesus made about Himself?
   Comments: He would be mocked, insulted, spit upon, scourged, and killed. On the third day He would rise again. He also said that all the things written by the prophets would come true. The apostles didn’t seem to grasp what he was saying. Was it because he referred to himself in the third person? All these things would happen to the “Son of Man. “
   There was also some discussion of what Jesus went through mentally, knowing exactly what would happen to him, while knowing he had the power to prevent it. We also noted that he could have willed himself to die sooner, but he first made sure that all prophecy was fulfilled.
10. 18:35-43 What did the blind man do so that he would be healed? How did his faith heal him? What was the result of his asking for help?
    Comments: He cried out repeatedly, “Lord, have mercy on me.” He acted on his faith, even though others were telling him not to. He received his sight. He depended on the mercy and power of Christ.