I love it when I read a chapter in the Bible and discover a progression or common theme running through its various stories. That’s not always the case. There are some stories that are meant to stand by themselves. If a connection isn’t obvious, we certainly shouldn’t try to force one. But often the Holy Spirit will reveal something beneath the surface that makes it all come together. I felt that way as we looked into Luke 17 this morning. If I had to give it a title, I’d call it “Things that Please the Lord” and I’d use verses 5 through 10 as my foundation. Therein we find a most wonderful teaching on faith – the need for it, the amount of it, the type of it, and the purpose of it.
It was in response to the disciples’ request, “Lord, Increase our faith.” (verse 5) I’m sure Jesus was pleased with their desire for more faith; however, it was the reason for their asking that was suspect. Understanding human nature as he did, Jesus knew that many of our prayers stem from selfish motives, and that faith is often seen as a bargaining tool to get God to do what pleases us. Didn’t the writer to the Hebrews tell us that, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him?” (Hebrews 11:6) This story begs the question, “Who’s serving who?” In it, Jesus makes a clear distinction between servant and master. The servant’s duty is to please his master, not the other way around. You may rise up early and work all day in the field, but your duties are not over until supper is served and dishes are done. Only then may you tend to your own needs. In keeping with the “Lord’s Prayer,” the Master’s interests come first.
Jesus was careful to explain that we don’t need a lot of faith (the size of a mustard seed) but rather, the right kind of faith, and for the right reason (i.e., to enable us to please Him). This concept is foreign to the “Name it and Claim It” culture of our day. Faith is sought to obtain material wealth, creature comforts and worldly prosperity. Where are those who are asking for faith to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ? The fruit of the Spirit, power to live a holy life or the ability to forgive all require a clear sight of Jesus and trust in His faithfulness. God yearns to lead us into a life of full consecration and equip us for the work He alone can accomplish in us. It takes real faith to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. Only by trusting in Him can we live a life of overcoming, sacrifice, and perseverance. “Lord, increase my faith so that I can serve you as you deserve to be served.” That should be our prayer.
The other passages in this chapter call our attention to the things that please Him. He starts with caring for the little ones who are particularly precious to Him, and not putting a stumbling block in their way. It pleases Him when we forgive without limit, seven times or seventy times seven. God is pleased when He finds those who return to express thanks not only for the healing, but for the healer - Jesus himself. God looks for those who turn their back on the world and don’t look back, daily preparing themselves for His promised return. These are among the things that please God and these are the reasons why the just must live by faith.
Unlike the story Jesus told in this chapter, our Master doesn’t only require us to serve Him, but set the example by coming to this earth to serve us first. “For The son of man, came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (serve) and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Now that he has accomplished the work of salvation for us, the ball is in our court. Or in other words… “It’s your serve.”