Luke 17: 1-19

There's a lot happening in Luke 17, so I'll split it up into two sections - firstly, 1 - 19, then 20 - 37.

But really that doesn't help much - even within those sections, Jesus is tackling a lot of different issues, and the topic isn't really constant.

As an historian, I think I'd look at these chapters as sort of a "collection of sayings" rather than a coherent sermon. 

What about as a theologian though?

Well, let's see - verses 1-2 is about the bringing of temptations to "these little ones" (in other gospels identified as children), and the definite preferability of certain situations, vis-a-vis exploring the depths of the sea wearing millstone jewellery.

Verses 3 - 4 are about forgiveness, and how it should ALWAYS be given to the penitent.

Verses 5 & 6 are about faith, and how it's not the amount that matters, but the object of faith.

Verses 7 - 10 tell us about how a servant doesn't get special rewards just for doing their bounden duty and service. 

Verses 11 - 13 talk about the 10 lepers, including one - a samaritan - who takes the time to say "Thank you" to Jesus after He heals them.

Okay, so how do you link all these up?

I'm not entirely sure.  Maybe I'm drawing a long bow here, and maybe they're not supposed to be joined together.  But maybe there IS something buried into this passage.

Here's a wild stab in the dark - do you notice how ALL these sayings and actions of Jesus are extremely countercultural?

Our world is one that basically says "Bad things happen, and you can't do anything about it." But in the Kingdom of God there will be true justice - it's coming.

Our world says "Get revenge."  But in the Kingdom of God there is freely given forgiveness.

If it cares about faith at all, our world says "You need lots."  But in the Kingdom of God, a small amount of faith in a powerful object can go into the Earthmoving business.

Our world says you should be congratulated for just being a nice guy.  In the Kingdom of God, however, good works are just what EVERYONE does - nothing more, nothing less.  No special honour for you if you just do that!

And our world doesn't really care about certain people.  In Jesus' day it was the lepers and the prostitutes.  Today it might still be prostitutes; maybe AIDS patients or refugees might top the list.  But the Kingdom of God is for those people. 

Oh, and while we're at it - the one man who returns to say "Thank you" is singled out more than many other people in the New Testament. 

Need any more hints?  This guy MATTERS to Jesus.  His contemporary equivalent had better matter to us!