Context
Today's passage begins with a series of parables and teachings about money, one of which is among the hardest to interpret of Jesus' parables. The story of the shrewd manager, who seems to be praised for cheating his master's customers, is an enigma. Fortunately, in verse 9, Jesus gives us a hint about the parable's point. He has praised the shrewdness of the dishonest man, and then warns his followers to use earthly wealth shrewdly, to gain heavenly reward.
That is followed with two teachings about money. First, if one is faithful in small things he will be faithful in greater things, and second, we cannot serve both God and money. We can only have one master - a truth Americans often fail to realize.
The Pharisees were offended by these teachings and ridiculed Christ, who responded by confronting them and reminding them that God thinks differently than man does.
The teaching on divorce is included here. Part of more extensive teachings in Matthew it is just a simple statement, without any context here, except for Jesus' statement about the law (similar to the context in Matthew). It is possible that this was part of a longer teaching similar to Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount that Luke pared to fit here.
The story of the rich man and Lazarus is also unique. Some debate whether it is a parable. It lacks the "the kingdom of heaven is like" formula that introduces many parables and it is odd to have a man named in the story - no other parable has a named character. There is also debate about whether Jesus is giving us a glimpse of the way things are in the afterlife today, or simply illustrating the principle that the unrepentant wouldn't repent even if the dead returned to speak to them.
The early verses of chapter 17 contain teachings that are found elsewhere in this gospel and others - on the importance of not leading others into sin and of forgiveness, on the power of faith (the grain of a mustard seed illustration is used again) and the place of servants in the king's house.
Devotional - The Faith to Forgive
What is the hardest thing a Christian is called to do?
Perhaps it is just a coincidence and there's a gap between verses 4 and 5, but it seems that they are backed up to each other. In verse 4, Jesus commands the disciples to forgive someone 7 times for the same thing on the same.
Think about that. Would you be able to do that. Imagine if someone came to you and said one morning, "I want to ask your forgiveness for gossiping about you and spreading lies against you." You forgive him, then an hour later he comes back and asks for forgiveness again. And again. And again. Seven times - in one day. Do you think your patience would run out?
It seems that the disciples were thinking theirs would, because in verse 5, they made a simple request of the Lord. "Increase our faith." Strengthen us, O Lord. This is a job that is bigger than we are.
There are many hard things in the Christian life. In fact, pretty much everything in the Christian life is harder than our abilities and efforts can handle. I can't do it and neither can you. Only the power of the Spirit of Christ who dwells within can do that work in us.
But there is nothing less natural and more Christlike than forgiveness. True forgiveness is a work of God wrought in the life of the redeemed. It's something I can only do when I've received the grace of God and I pass it on to those who need it from me. It is a true miracle - something only God can do.
So, I can understand why the disciples said what they said. When confronted with the need to forgive the sinner, that is exactly what I say.
Lord, increase my faith.
Father, I need the strength that only you can give to do what only you can do through me, to forgive those who have hurt me.
Think and Pray
Are there people who have deeply injured you, against whom you hold grudges or harbor unforgiveness?
Ask God to increase your faith that you might forgive them!
Ask God to increase your faith that you might forgive them!
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