A Look at Temptation, Confrontation, and Forgiveness in Luke 17:1-4

Jesus’ teaching from Luke 17:1-4 addresses the peril of causing another to stumble into sin and the challenge of fostering reconciliation amongst one another. Disciples of Jesus are accountable to each other through confrontation of known sins and through the extension of forgiveness for the reconciliation of differences. It is through addressing the sin problem and experiencing forgiveness that followers of the way reflect the redemptive mission of Christ.

“Temptations to sin are sure to come” (17:1a), warns Jesus.^[1] Temptation is that enticement or wooing to sin. Sin in this case involves stumbling, falling, or abandoning of the faith. Not a penchant over a matter of indifference (e.g., a love of ketchup). Sin is missing the mark of God’s holiness, either failing to do what the Lord commands or doing what the Lord prohibits.

Jesus goes on to say, “But woe to the one through whom they come!” (Lk. 17:1b). The agent of temptation falls into a perilous situation. “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin,” says the Lord (17: 2). What foreboding imagery! A millstone was an enormous stone used for grinding grain, and to have one tied around one’s neck and be cast into the sea would mean certain death. The gist is that “it would be better if a person were dead than that he would lead another into sin.”^[2] This neck roped to a millstone dropped into a watery abyss illustration underscores the gravity of the transgression. Each person’s words and deeds can influence others, especially the “little ones”—those who are but learners in the faith, i.e., disciples.^[3]

“Pay attention to yourselves!” Jesus exclaims (17:3a). The followers of the Way are to be mindful of their actions, and “though it is impossible to eradicate temptations, by God’s grace it is possible to prevent oneself from belonging to the company of the tempters.”^[4] By leading others astray, one becomes a stumbling block, obstructing the spiritual growth, or effecting false worship.

But Jesus also points us to the way of being agents of reconciliation. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him” (Lk. 17:3b), says the Lord. This speaks to the situation wherein an offense has been committed. The Christian then confronts the one who has committed an offense, and conveys disapproval to the behavior.

Receiving correction, though difficult, is a good thing. Solomon admonishes us: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; | profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Prov. 27:6). Genuine love instead involves speaking the truth, even when it hurts. it Love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6).  By confronting sin, we provide an opportunity for the offender to recognize their wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.

Forgiveness is to be extended to the one who repents. Repentance is having remorse over the offense committed and coming around to reconcile with the person or people offended. The very same idea is expressed in n Jesus’ appeal to those at the church at Ephesus who lost the love they once held: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (Rev. 2:5).^[5]

“If he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him,” adds the Lord (Lk. 17:4). In this instance “the number seven here should not be taken literally; it symbolizes limitless forgiveness,”^[6] which means we keep on extending forgiveness. Jesus commands forgiveness, and forgiveness never runs out even for repeat offenders. Forgiveness testifies to God’s love and mercy.

Early church father Cyril of Alexandria offers a helpful illustration on the offering forgiveness without limits: “We … must rather imitate those whose business it is to heal our bodily diseases and who do not care for a sick person once only or twice, but just as often as he happens to become ill. Let us remember that we also are liable to infirmities and overpowered by our passions. This being the case, we pray that those who have the duty to rebuke us and who have the authority to punish us may show themselves forgiving and kind to us” (Commentary on Luke, Homilies 113-16).^[7] Confronting the sinner about a sin is an act of love. It is akin to a doctor telling a patient about a cancer diagnosis. The news is bad but necessary for opening the doorway to healing. Similarly, addressing sin opens the doorway to repentance and restoration.

Handling a sin problem within the fellowship is far from easy-peasy. Confrontation requires courage, wisdom, and love, such qualities optimally instilled within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, calling out sin is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and holy community. Ignoring sin or avoiding difficult conversations generates an environment where destructive behaviors go unchecked, ultimately harming the entire community.

God is the primary agent of reconciliation. “We love because he first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19). “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rm. 5:8). When we confront sin and extend extravagant forgiveness, we reflect the heart of God. The end of all this is the building of a community where truth and love coexist, where wounds can be healed, and where grace abounds. This essential discipleship: to live in such a way that our lives point others to Christ, guiding them away from sin and towards the abundant life He offers. This is the good news about kingdom of God.

— WGN

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Notes:

[1] All Scripture cited from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), unless noted.

[2] Thomas Schreiner, The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, ed. Gary M. Burge and Andrew E. Hill (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 1095.

[3] For additional discussion on the “little ones” being Christ’s disciples, see my post on Matthew 10:42?

^[4] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke, vol. 11, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 794.

[5] The same principle is conveyed by Paul to the Galatians: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). James also teaches the churches: “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Jas. 5:19-20).

[6] Schreiner, 1095.

[7] Cited from Arthur A. Just, ed., Luke, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005), 266.