English: Mustard seeds by David Turner February 23, 2005 Edited by Consequencefree to replace the coin with an SI measurement reference (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the opening verses of chapter 17, Jesus acknowledges that temptations are a part of life. But He warns about those who tempt others to sin. He repeats the thought of verse two in Matthew 18:6 and also in Mark 9:42. Particularly in Matthew, He seems to be talking about those who would cause children to stumble; and certainly the application is valid there as well. But He is, more to the point, speaking about those who are innocent – those who are trying to do what is right, as well as what we would call people who are babes in Christ. A horrible physical death as He describes here would be better than the eternal punishment that is for those who corrupt them .

The statement in verse 6 that Jesus makes about faith is a hyperbole. Jesus is not suggesting that we should expect to perform miraculous deeds because of our faith. Faith has great power indeed – if it is used according to God’s will. The trouble is usually with the strength of our faith. Peter was able to walk on water for a while, as Jesus willed him to. But when the storm surged against him, his faith faltered. And so it usually goes with all of us.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.