Luke 17:1-10
17 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
The apostles must have thought Jesus had laid a great weight of responsibility on them as He sent them about their work. First, He warned them to be very careful to not bring offense to anyone, otherwise face the milestone around the neck. And second, He said to always forgive a repentant brother! Notice He didn’t say “always be forgiving.” But forgiveness is conditional upon repentance. How hard these commands must have seem! Is it any wonder the apostles said, “Increase our faith?”
Then Jesus goes on to tell them that they don’t need an increase of faith, because it isn’t the size of one’s faith, but what and who is the foundation (or object) of one’s faith. In the verse just before our text, Jesus said, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”
All the faith that is necessary is given to us through the Word of God, which is meant to be heard. Today this Word still goes out through faithful pastors, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it still works forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation to those brought to repentant faith. Just as with the apostles, today through the Word and Sacrament He still calls, gathers, and enlightens His Church to do His work in the world.
Lutheran theology is such an absolute joy as it stays true to God’s harsh word of Law and His beloved Gospel. The old man despises both because they bring him to die and prove that he will never be able to save himself. The New Man, however, rejoices in staying fixed upon Christ crucified, which brings about good works. And to God alone goes the glory!
Let us pray: O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
