Luke 17:5-10
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.
As we continue exploring a series of lessons Jesus is teaching his disciples, read Luke 17:5-10 imagining you are there, among the disciples, listening to Jesus.
Luke records Jesus’ teaching about temptation and forgiveness just before today’s passage, so
it’s interesting that the tree Jesus refers to in this lesson is known to have extremely deep roots. When we refuse to forgive, we leave ourselves vulnerable to roots of bitterness that can seep in and grow deep until they strangle our souls.
Forgiveness is something we do for ourselves as much as it is something we give to others. But forgiveness takes faith.
Go to silence and become aware of the presence of Jesus in you and around you. Breathe in the name of Jesus and breathe out any stray thoughts or any tensions you are carrying.
When you feel centered, ask Jesus to search your soul for any roots of unforgiveness or bitterness. Talk openly with Jesus about anything that comes to mind.
Read Luke 17:5-10 again.
To understand how the example of the master and servant relates to faith the size of a mustard seed, it’s helpful to read the passage backwards:
In Jesus’ example, his disciples are the unworthy servants who obey the master. Poverty of spirit and the recognition of powerlessness is, after all, a starting place for faith.
The servant doesn’t expect praise from the master for doing what he or she is supposed to do, and the servant serves the master as long as needed and then satisfies his or her own needs. The servant trusts that the master is good and has good in mind for the servant.
Because the servant serves under the authority of the master, the mulberry tree with its deep roots will obey the servant who has faith in the master. The master has authority, and the servant acts in accordance with the master’s wishes.
Return to silence for a moment. Consider what might need uprooting in your life right now. Share this with Jesus and then listen to him.
What is Jesus inviting you to do today?
Will you?
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