Jesus Teaches about Faith and Duty (Luke 17:1-10)
What Did Jesus Say About Faith, Humility, and Duty?
In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus teaches his disciples about faith, humility, and duty. He warns about causing others to stumble, emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness, illustrates the power of faith with the mustard seed analogy, and reminds his followers that obedience is a fundamental part of their service to God. This passage highlights the balance between faith and responsibility in the Christian life.
Introduction
Faith and duty—two pillars of the Christian life. Jesus, ever the masterful teacher, gives his disciples a lesson that is both sobering and empowering. He warns of the dangers of leading others into sin, calls for radical forgiveness, and underscores the strength of even the smallest faith. Then, in a parable that cuts against human pride, he reminds his followers that obedience to God is not something to be rewarded but rather an expectation. This passage challenges us to consider the nature of our faith and the posture of our hearts as servants of Christ.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 17:1-10 and Commentary
Luke 17:1-2
Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble."
Jesus’ warning here is not just a general caution against sin but a direct charge to his disciples about their influence on others. Temptations and stumbling blocks will always exist in a broken world, but those who actively lead others into sin bear a heavy burden of guilt. The phrase “woe to anyone by whom they come!” carries a sense of divine judgment, a severe warning that God does not take lightly the spiritual harm inflicted on others—especially the “little ones,” which could refer to new believers or those vulnerable in faith.
The millstone imagery is intentionally vivid. A millstone was a massive, circular stone used to grind grain, often so heavy that it required a donkey to turn it. Jesus’ statement suggests that being cast into the sea with such a weight would be preferable to the fate awaiting those who lead others astray. This isn’t hyperbole—it’s a stark reminder that spiritual influence carries real consequences. Similar warnings appear throughout Scripture, such as in 1 John 2:10, where John writes, “Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling.” The responsibility of believers is not just to avoid sin themselves but to be mindful of how their actions shape others’ faith.
Jesus wasn’t just tossing out a generic warning—he was putting his disciples on high alert, likely with the Pharisees in mind. These religious leaders, the ones who were supposed to shepherd God’s people, had instead become a stumbling block. They twisted the law, loaded people down with impossible burdens (Luke 11:46), and then slammed the door of the kingdom in their faces (Luke 11:52). Their love of money, status, and self-righteousness blinded them, but worse, it blinded those who followed them (Luke 16:14-15).
This passage isn’t just about personal sin; it’s about the responsibility of influence. Whether through false teaching, hypocrisy, or even careless words and actions, leading others away from Christ is no small matter. And Jesus makes it abundantly clear—God takes that kind of failure seriously.
Luke 17:3-4
"Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive."
Jesus’ command here strikes a balance between correction and grace. “Be on your guard!” is a call to vigilance, reminding disciples that sin is not to be ignored or excused. When a fellow believer falls into sin, the right response is not passive tolerance but active rebuke—done in love, with the aim of restoration. This aligns with Ephesians 4:15, which calls believers to “speak the truth in love.” Accountability is a mark of true discipleship; ignoring sin or failing to address it ultimately harms both the individual and the community of faith.
Yet, Jesus immediately follows this with a radical call to forgiveness. If the offender repents, the disciple is required to forgive—without hesitation, without resentment. The repetition of “seven times a day” is not meant as a literal limit but as an illustration of the boundless grace we are to extend. This echoes Matthew 18:21-22, where Jesus tells Peter that forgiveness must extend “seventy-seven times,” underscoring the limitless nature of God’s mercy. Just as we continually receive grace, we are to extend it to others.
Read more about forgiveness with “Teach Me the Way of Forgiveness.”
This teaching is rooted in the very character of God. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” As recipients of divine forgiveness, we are called to reflect that same grace in our relationships. This doesn’t mean ignoring sin or allowing ourselves to be mistreated; rather, it means recognizing repentance as an opportunity for renewal. The Christian life is one of both accountability and restoration, mirroring the patience and mercy God has shown to us.
Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you."
The disciples’ request, “Increase our faith!”, reveals their deep awareness of their own inadequacy. Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and accountability were daunting, and they instinctively felt they needed more faith to live them out. But Jesus’ response challenges their assumption. The issue isn’t the amount of faith—they don’t need a massive reserve of it to follow him faithfully. Instead, he emphasizes that even faith as small as a mustard seed is enough to accomplish the impossible when it is truly placed in God. This mirrors Ephesians 3:20, where Paul reminds us that God “is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.”
The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds known at the time, yet it grew into a large, sturdy plant. By using this imagery, Jesus underscores that faith isn’t measured by its size but by its trust in God’s power. The reference to the mulberry tree—known for its deep roots—being uprooted and cast into the sea is a striking visual of faith overcoming the seemingly immovable. This aligns with Jesus’ earlier teaching in Luke 13:18-19, where he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows beyond expectation.
Paul captures this same idea in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Faith isn’t about striving for a larger supply but about resting in the sufficiency of Christ. The disciples didn’t need more faith; they needed to act on the faith they already had. Even the smallest trust in God, when exercised, can produce extraordinary results—not because of the believer’s strength, but because of the One in whom they believe.
Luke 17:7-10
"Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’"
This parable challenges any notion of entitlement in discipleship. Jesus paints a scene familiar to his audience: a servant, after working all day in the field, does not expect special treatment for simply fulfilling his role. Instead, he continues serving, knowing that obedience is his duty. In the same way, Jesus reminds his followers that faithfulness to God is not about accumulating spiritual accolades but about living in obedience without expectation of reward. This teaching dismantles any sense of self-righteousness, aligning with Ephesians 2:8-9, where Paul emphasizes that salvation is “not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The phrase “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” is not meant to degrade human worth but to realign our perspective. The Greek word used for “worthless” (ἀχρεῖοι, achreioi) can also mean unprofitableor without claim to merit. It underscores that our service to God does not place Him in our debt. Just as a servant does not expect gratitude for merely doing his job, neither should believers expect special recognition for their obedience. This stands in stark contrast to a world that often seeks validation and reward for every effort.
Paul echoes this humility in Philippians 2:5-7, where he speaks of Christ himself taking on “the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” If even Jesus, the Son of God, lived a life of selfless service, how much more should his followers embrace the same attitude? True discipleship means serving God not for applause or personal gain, but because it is the natural response of those who recognize his grace. Our faithfulness does not make us extraordinary—it simply reflects what it means to belong to Him.
Luke 17:1-10 Meaning for Today
Jesus' words challenge us in three key areas:
Responsibility for Others – As believers, our actions impact those around us. Whether in word or deed, we should be careful not to lead others into sin. Our faith should be a light that guides, not a stumbling block that trips others up.
Radical Forgiveness – The call to forgive repeatedly may seem overwhelming, but it reflects the very grace we have received from God. Holding grudges is incompatible with a heart transformed by Christ.
Faith and Humility – Faith is powerful, not because of its size, but because of the God in whom it rests. And when we live out our faith, we must do so with humility—understanding that we are living in response to grace not living to obtain it.
Conclusion
Luke 17:1-10 calls us to a faith that is both strong and humble. It reminds us that walking with Christ means guarding against sin, extending forgiveness freely, and serving God without expectation of reward. When we grasp these truths, we begin to live out a faith that not only grows but also glorifies God.
FAQ
What does the millstone analogy mean in Luke 17:2?
The millstone analogy emphasizes the seriousness of leading others into sin. A millstone was a massive stone used for grinding grain, and Jesus’ imagery suggests that causing others to stumble spiritually is a grievous offense.
Why does Jesus say to forgive someone seven times a day?
Jesus’ command underscores the limitless nature of forgiveness. It reflects God’s grace toward us and ensures that our relationships mirror the mercy we have received.
What does Jesus mean by faith the size of a mustard seed?
Jesus highlights that even the smallest faith, when placed in God, has extraordinary power. The issue is not the amount of faith but trusting in the right object—God Himself.
What is the meaning of the parable of the unworthy servants?
This parable teaches humility in service. It reminds believers that obedience to God is not about earning recognition but is simply the expected response of a faithful servant.
