Bible Commentaries
Luke 17

Verses 1-37

The thinking of the Master for His disciples is always that they should live in love. He knew, however, that offenses must come. In that connection He uttered the solemn word of warning, "Woe unto him through whom - they come." He then gave instructions on our attitude toward the offender.

There follows the story of the lepers. Ten men with a common need lifted a cry of agony in petition to the Son of God. Ten men were directed by Him to do what appeared absurd. The law required to show themselves to the priest when they were cleansed. These men were still lepers. Nevertheless, ten men trusted Him, and started on the journey. Ten men were miraculously healed through obedience, and then one man turned back to glorify God. Because of this, the question of Jesus, "Where are the nine?" becomes arresting and revealing, showing, as it does, that He waits for the worship of healed sods, and often is robbed of it.

The Pharisees asked Him when the Kingdom of God would appear, while it was right in their midst because the King Himself was there. This the Lord declared: "The Kingdom of God is in the midst of you." Turning to His disciples, He spoke of the day that lay far ahead in which He would no longer be unrecognized, but revealed in His glory to a faithless and unbelieving age.