Knowing The Word in Luke 17:1-6, Temptations to Sin & Increased Faith

Is Jesus talking about the Pharisees in this section? We do not know the fate of those who cause others to sin, but it cannot be pleasant. “Little ones” may be infant believers or more widely all believers. Believers cannot be indifferent to sin and evil and cannot hold grudges against others when they repent of their sins. We are in the forgiveness business just like Jesus. Apparently, the apostles think great faith is needed for forgiveness and request it. Jesus changes the request of more faith to understanding the power of real faith in a great God and the effects that follow it.

1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 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. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Prayer: O God, by thy mercy strengthen us who lie exposed to the rough storms of troubles and temptation. Help us against our own negligence and cowardice, and defend us from the treachery of our unfaithful hearts. Succor us, we beseech thee, and bring us to thy safe haven of peace and felicity.

Augustine, 354-430