Luke 17:1-4
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage, Luke records the first in a series of lessons Jesus is teaching to his closest followers. Read Luke 17:1-4 as if you were there being taught by Jesus
The Greek word translated here as “temptations” means literally “the trigger for a trap,” and Jesus says that these are inevitable in life. Just like the mouse grabbing for a morsel and not noticing the spring-loaded trap to which it is attached, we can be easily drawn into destructive behaviors if we aren’t on our guard.
But Jesus goes on to say that the gravest mistake is setting the trap for someone else – especially children and those with child-like faith in Jesus. Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus teaching this lesson while welcoming a child and pointing to the child as an example of greatness in the upside-down Kingdom of God. Recall this scene in Luke 9:46-48:
“Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.’”
Take some time to meditate on the image of the trap “trigger” and the image of greatness as Jesus defines it. Pay attention for anything Jesus might want you to notice about these two images.
Read Luke 17:1-4 again focusing on Jesus’ words about forgiveness.
The Greek word translated “watch yourselves” can be used either in the first or third person. Jesus is instructing his disciples to be alert to entrapment, and also, to watch out for each other. When we observe a fellow Jesus-follower drifting toward destructive behavior, love demands that we speak up and call him or her back to shalom. And when a member of the community of Jesus repents and turns back to the ways of God, love demands that we forgive…as often as necessary.
It’s important to remember that forgiveness means allowing God to be judge and jury rather than us taking on those roles. We may need to draw boundaries with people for our own good and out of love for the person, but ultimately, we recognize that we have no ability to judge or change anyone – even ourselves. Forgiveness is within our power - transformation is something only God can bring about.
Get still and let all your thoughts settle. Ask Jesus to bring to mind anything he wants you to realize or notice about temptation and forgiveness. Then listen.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do in response?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
