Luke
Chapter 17.
On scandals. 17:1-2.
These offences against the individual.
(See Skandalon in V.Dict.). The
phrase "little ones," is descriptive of the members of the Messianic
Kingdom. (Isa.60:22; Zech.13:7).
On
Forgiveness. 17:3-4. Repentance makes forgiveness complete, for
there is then a restoration of relationships.
On Faith. 17:5-6.
The request for more faith, may have been motivated by the Lord's
requirements as to forgiveness. But
faith is not described quantitatively, in the sense of having more or
less. It is, rather, a point of view and,
if such is present, every moral duty becomes possible.
On Service. 17:7-10.
When we have fulfilled all our duties we still have no claim upon God. All that we receive from God is His grace and
not our reward. The disciple does not
aspire to rank, but lives to serve.
Neither does he engage in the self-seeking service of the Pharisees, but
a dedicated service that is really to deny selfish ambitions.
The ten
lepers. 17:11-19. These were commanded to show themselves to
the priest, i.e. to go up to Jerusalem. Their departure indicated their faith in
Christ's word and power. They all got
the healing they desired. But the
gratitude of the Samaritan displayed a faith that had a new personal attachment
to the Lord. He was made whole
physically and spiritually - "saved thee" - R.V.m. Jesus was more to him than Jerusalem.
At this time Jesus was passing along the borders of Samaria
and Galilee. (see N.E.B.).
The coming of
the Kingdom. 17:20-21. The problem phrase, - 'entos humon'. It can mean, "within you" or
"in your hearts." It is
useless to look for outward signs or visible establishment of a political
state. The Kingdom of God
is an inward disposition of the heart.
It may mean, "at your disposition" or "within your
power," or again, "In the sphere of your influence or action."
A meaning in the genitive, 'entos en Xenophin'. It is foolish to speculate on the exact time
of the coming of the Parousia, or to seek the knowledge of its place, since
"behold, the Kingdom
of God is in your
hands." It rests with you to prove
yourself worthy of it, to be admitted into the Kingdom, when it comes. -
"Within your grasp." The most
satisfactory meaning is "among you."
N.E.B. The little group of which
he was the centre, was the nucleus of
the Kingdom.
Discourse on
the Paraousia. 17:22-37. The character of the days of the Son of Man:
* Its unmistakableness. The general search for signs may be
misleading, and provides scope for deceivers.
It shall as be as universal and as self-revealing as lightning.
* Its
unexpectedness. Many shall be found
unprepared. The disciple must be
vigilant.
* Its suddenness. There shall be no time for delay. 17:31.
* Its universalism.
To some it will mean destruction, and to others deliverance. 17:34-37.
Remember:
Son, remember. 16:25.
Remember me. 23:42.
Remember Lot's wife. 17:32.
Lot's
wife. Her privileges:
Related to Abraham, the friend of God.
The wife of a righteous man.
The hostess to angels.
Her sin:
She had put pleasure and luxury before salvation.
She remained unrepentant, refusing the Divine warning.
She hesitated and delayed, though danger was imminent.
She looked back, because she wanted to go back.
Her memory has no other virtue than a warning.
No comments:
Post a Comment