”So you also, when
you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy
servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10).
The opening words of Jesus in our portion of
Scripture offer an insight into the reality of life: there are things, which
cause people to stumble.
The Greek word used here is the word skandalon, from which we have the
English equivalent “scandal”.
The idea becomes clearer when we think about a trap
stick which can be used to make one to stumble as they walk or run.
In other words, there are things (scandals) which cause
people to become a scandal – nobody enjoys being watched as they stumble and
fall.
Some of those “things” may be events, temptations,
wrong decisions, etc.
While the things which cause people to stumble exist,
Jesus warns against being a person who causes others to stumble.
“Jesus said to his
disciples: ‘Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that
person through whom they come’” (Luke
17:1).
A person, man or woman, who intentionally causes
others to stumble is as good as dead. It would be better to be cast into the
sea with a no-return ticket.
Jesus’ warning comes with a call to be on guard, “So watch yourselves…”
In other words, be careful that you do not cause
others to stumble/sin and as a result you become a “scandal”. A sinful person
is a “scandal” before God!
Being on guard is followed by the command, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he
repents, forgive him” (v.3).
It is hard NOT to conclude that being watchful
implies being forgiving.
Jesus amplifies the need to forgive by multiplying
the act of forgiveness by seven. No wonder the disciples, asked, “Increase our faith!” (v5).
Well, Jesus did not increased their faith, but told
them a story which come with the revelation that forgiveness is not a matter of
faith but a matter of obedience. Forgive! Do it! Pastor
Alois