Notes on Luke 16:26-17:5

Luke 16:26

The outcome of our lives is fixed after death.

Luke 16:29

Moses and the prophets. An expression which is short for the entire Old Testament (v. 16). listen. God has provided all that is necessary to know him and experience his salvation in his word (24:27; Isa. 66:1-2; 2 Pet. 1:3-4). See WCF 1.2; WLC 3.

Luke 16:30

The rich man believed a sign was necessary for his brothers to believe. But Abraham was right (v. 29). Faith comes through hearing and believing God's word (Rom. 10:17). repent. The rich man was not condemned for his wealth, but his lack of repentance (see notes on 3:3; 6:24).

Luke 16:31

persuaded . . . rises. Later, Jesus would raise another man named Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Though some believed in Jesus, others knew of the sign and plotted against him (John 11:45-48). Moreover, Jesus himself would die and rise again for the salvation of his people (9:22; John 2:18-22; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Afterward, he appeared to many people (1 Cor. 15:5-8). Yet, some refused to believe in Jesus and bribed witnesses to deny what they saw (Matt. 28:11-15). Miracles do not produce faith. God's word produces faith (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 4:1-6).

Luke 17:1

disciples. Jesus spoke to his disciples, though others may have been present. Previously, he had taught with the Pharisees in mind (16:14-31). sin. Jesus was realistic about the sinfulness of the world in which we live (Rom. 8:22). There will always be temptations to sin. But we must be careful not to be the source of temptation for others (1 John 2:10). woe. See note on 6:20-26.

Luke 17:2

Death would be better than suffering God's judgment for causing one of his people to sin (v. 1). millstone. A round stone that was used to grind up grain. They varied in size from something small (Jdg. 9:53) to others which were turned in circles by donkeys. little ones. Refers to God's people (Matt. 18:6), perhaps those new to the faith. The disciples need care and protection like a parent over children.

Luke 17:3-4

See WCF 15.6.

Luke 17:3

Watch. The word implies constant, ongoing watchfulness (see Matt. 26:41; 1 Cor. 16:13). The warning concludes Jesus's instruction from vv. 1-2. rebuke. Jesus not only warned against personal sin (vv. 1-3a), but taught how to deal with others' sin. Jesus identified the sinning person as a brother which meant they are a disciple. We are to address other believers honestly about their sin, especially if it against us (Lev. 19:17; Matt. 18:5-20). This preserves relationships in the church (Eph. 4:1-3), protects others from sin (Jas. 5:19-20), and promotes Christ's honor (Eph. 3:21). repent. The goal of the rebuke. forgive. When a confronted sinner repents, the person sin against should forgive completely (v. 4).

Luke 17:4

The number seven represents completion. Thus, Jesus is not prescribing a limit to forgiveness, but its perfection. His disciples are called to continually forgive others who sin against them. This reflects God's forgiveness of his people (11:4; Eph. 4:32; Col 3:13).

Luke 17:5

The apostles understood that Jesus's calling (vv. 3-4) was difficult. Therefore, they asked for greater faith. Only by trusting God, can we overcome our own sin and forgive others. We can ask for faith because faith is a gift (Eph. 2:8; see John 3:3; Rom. 8:7-8).

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