Contents
The foundation of Luke 17:5–10
As indicated above, Luke 17:5–10 cannot be understood without Luke 17:1–4. Luke 17:1–4 is the reason and foundation of Luke 17:5–10. After addressing the Pharisees (cf. Luke 16:14), Jesus turned to his disciples, informed them of the certainty of temptation to sin, and indirectly warned them not to be the agents of sin (cf. Luke 17:1). They must always be on their guard and reprimand anyone who deviates from the given norms. As they rebuke, they should also be willing to welcome back anyone who realizes the gravity of his or her actions and decides to make amend. Deep faith is required for this onerous task. It is from this perspective that we have to analyze and understand faith (Greek: pistis).
Increase our faith
“Lord, increase our faith.” This was the apostles’ request when Jesus urged them to forgive anyone who offends them and asks to be forgiven. Even if the person sins seven times in a day but seven times repents of his or her actions, the apostles and believers must forgive the person. As a new emerging community, the Christian community should distinguish itself from the Jewish community even in matters of sin and forgiveness. The Jewish theology does not allow forgiveness to exceed three times. This belief is based on the theological and spiritual significances of the number 3. As the number of perfection, it is believed that whatever reaches three has reached its climax. Notwithstanding his being a Jew, Jesus seems not to agree to this interpretation. For him, three could be surpassed, especially, when it has to do with spiritual well-being (cf. Matt 18:21–22). The command to forgive whoever sins seven times and seven times asks for forgiveness means the apostles were expected to exceed the normal Jewish limit of three times. This certainly, is not an easy task. Hence, the apostles implored Jesus to increase their faith for the new challenge. This faith therefore, is the faith of responsibility and not the faith to show a person’s capacity to achieve wonders. Jesus should increase the faith of the apostles to enable them go beyond the limit imposed by the Jewish tradition. ‘Increase our faith’ is a consequence of Jesus’ words in Luke 17:4 and must not be detached from it.
Conclusion
In terms of fulfilling their responsibility, Jesus describes the Apostles as slaves (Greek: doulos). This does not mean Jesus encouraged and encourages slavery in its traditional and contemporary contexts. In both Christian and Hebrew Testaments, a slave is a person owned as a possession. The Greek term doulos means slavish, servile, completely owned and controlled. And under such condition, a slave has no option than to do what the master commands. As regards their mission, the Apostles are slaves. Not because they are unnecessarily controlled and maltreated, but because they are bound to carry out their mission without putting their interests first. On this note, Paul affirms his determination and responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. He understands that he should not boast because he proclaims the Gospel. It is what he must do and he even pronounces woe unto himself if he should not proclaim the Gospel (cf. 1Cor 9:16).
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