#105 Luke 17:1-4 Even If They Sin Against You 7 Times In a Day
On January 8, 2023 by Amy BurginJoy:
Episode #105 Luke 17:1-4
Welcome
Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here! I’m Amy Burgin.
Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin.
Amy:
Christgazing, kind of like stargazing, is the act of looking steadily and intently at Jesus. This podcast makes room for just that. Amid a world of many words, we slow down here and make space for the God-breathed Words, the best words, the ones that rightly comfort, correct, and lead us. Each week we read a portion of scripture several times and create stillness after each reading so we might also be still and know God more.
We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke
Pour Out Your Heart to God
Amy:
Before we read today, take time to share your heart with God. We do this each week; we pour out our hearts to God, exposing the deception, division, diversion, and discouragement inside us. We make room for God to exchange these with truth, unity, focus, and encouragement. So give God your thoughts, your hurts, fears, questions, and concerns in this next minute.
What Does This Passage Say About God?
Joy:
I’m going to read today’s passage two times. As I read, consider the question, What does this say about God?
Luke 17:1-4 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Again?
Luke 17:1-4 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Take a minute to be still and consider the question: What does this say about God?
[Pause and know]What Does This Passage Say About People?
Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider a different question, What does this say about people?
Luke 17:1-4 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Take the next few moments to answer the question: What does this passage tell us about people?
[Pause and know]Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?
Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?” If it helps, put yourself in the narrative.
Luke 17:1-4 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister[ sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Take the next minute to ask God, Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?
[Pause and listen]Blessing
Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may you turn your face toward Jesus today and know him more.
One Response
Amy:
When I sin against God over and over and over again, I can begin to despise myself. I may be ashamed to go to Jesus and repent after seven failures in one day but verse 4 of today’s passage shows me that Jesus does not shun me in my weakness. He is ready to forgive me when I come to him with a repentant heart. And so, because he’s forgiven me, I can forgive.
Part of forgiving is trusting God to see justice done. Verses 1-3 speak to that. Jesus said, those who entice the vulnerable to sin will have to pay. Those who cause the vulnerable to distrust God, will not get away with it.
Psalm 89:14 says of God, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
This is the word of the Lord.
Closing
Amy:
You can find a transcript of this episode and all our episodes at amyburgin.com. We will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.
It blesses me to hear from you! Please leave a reply here.