Luke 17:1—18:14: How to Grow Mustard-Seed Faith
AS JESUS, HIS disciples and the crowds draw near Jerusalem, he knows disillusion will set in for them. No one understands his repeated predictions of death by the hands of the nation's leaders. They all expect political glory. Their faith is in a nationalistic, political Messiah come to overthrow the Roman rulers and reinstate their national independence. They had to learn what we also have to learn: Faith is not a complete package one receives at conversion. Our trust is not to be in a set program but in a dynamic Person. Faith is a growing response to God, and grows best in the adversities of life.
Warming Up to God
Since you first met Jesus, what disillusionments have you had about him and his way of life?
Read Luke 17:1—18:14 »
Discovering the Word
- Consider the strong reaction of the disciples in 17:1-5. What has caused this reaction?
- In the story of the lepers Jesus seems surprised that only one of the ten returned in gratitude for his healing. What relation can you see between faith and gratitude in his final words (17:17-19)?
- For the Pharisees, what emphasis about the kingdom of God does Jesus make (17:20-21)? Why?
- To his disciples Jesus stresses the need to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man (himself). He uses two examples of warning in the Old Testament. Why were those people unprepared for God's judgment (17:22-37)?
- To encourage us to persist in praying Jesus draws a portrait of a certain judge as a contrast to God. In what ways is God different from the judge (18:6-8)?
- Persistence in praying is balanced by the caution in the second parable not to be presumptuous about God (18:9-14). Both men address "God." But how do their prayers reveal different concepts of God and their relation to him?
Applying the Word
- What might your prayers reveal about your concept of God and how you relate to him?
- Faith often seems abstract and elusive. How has Jesus in this study made it more concrete and attainable for your daily living?
Responding in Prayer
Pray from your heart to the God who desires to hear you.
For Further Study
Praying by J. I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom