Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Advent Readings: Luke 17

Luke 17

The chapter begins with a warning about temptation to sin – a believer should be prepared that it is not “if,” it is “when” the temptation will come into his or her life (Lk. 17:1). On the other hand, a brother who sins against you, asking for repentance, should be forgiven (Lk. 17:3-4). This leads to an increase of faith – faith of a size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Lk. 17:5-6).

To illustrate this point, Jesus teaches a parable of unworthy servants (Lk. 17:7-10). We’ve talked about some parables of Jesus in our previous devotions. Now, let us reflect on a real situation that happened in the life of Jesus and His disciples. On the way to Jerusalem, He was met by ten lepers… (Lk. 17:11-19). They would acknowledge Him as Master. And Jesus, having pity on them, sent the lepers to the Temple – to show themselves to the priest. Two things should be said here: first, the leprosy of Jesus’ times is not the same sickness we know it today. It is a skin disease, something like psoriasis. It is a sign of uncleanness, very often used by God as a punishment for a rebellion (cp. Num. 12:10). Being unclean, sick people would be separated from the worshiping community of believers (Lev. 13, Lk. 17:12, note that lepers stood at a distance).   

Second, Bible doesn’t have a cure from the sickness. A person either has it or it is gone, by the will of God. This will can be “stated” by the priests. Therefore, when the 10 go to Jesus as the Master of their lives, they cling to the right source. He is merciful and sends them to be pronounced cleansed (Lk. 17:14). All ten went on their way, yet one of them came back to Jesus. Now, being cleansed, he has a chance to be a part of the worshiping community. And as a worshiper he goes to the source of salvation with the words of thanksgiving (Lk. 17:16).

To give thanks in Greek is Eucharisteo, a formative element for our theology of the Lord's Supper. The act of partaking of His Body and Blood is a sign of our highest reverence and thanksgiving for all His gifts and mercies to us.    

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