In Luke 17:1–10, Jesus turns from the crowds to His disciples with a few short but powerful lessons about how to live faithfully. He warns us not to cause others to stumble — reminding us that our words and actions shape the faith of those watching us. He calls us to hold one another accountable, to lovingly correct those who wander, and to freely forgive those who repent — even when it’s hard. When the disciples cry out, “Lord, increase our faith,” Jesus reminds them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can do great things, because it’s not about how much faith we have but Who our faith is in. Finally, He calls us to simple, humble obedience — to serve faithfully without seeking praise. The message is clear: watch your witness, stay accountable, forgive freely, and above all, be faithful — because God can do extraordinary things through ordinary faithfulness.

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Well, good morning, friends! It’s good to be with you on this Friday morning. I hope you’ve had a great week and that you’ve got a wonderful weekend ahead. Hard to believe we’re already moving through November! Holly and I were talking the other day about Thanksgiving plans — y’all, it’s coming up fast. And then before we know it, Advent will be here, and Christmas right behind it. 2025 has just flown by, hasn’t it? But there’s a lot of good ahead, a lot to look forward to.

Today we’re picking up with Luke 17:1–10. This passage is interesting because it’s a bit of a shift. For the past few chapters, we’ve seen Jesus in long conversations and parables — often at the table, often confronting the Pharisees, pointing out the difference between their external religion and true faith. But now, the focus turns back to His disciples. This section isn’t so much a critique of the religious leaders — it’s a few short, direct teachings to the people following Him, and really, to us.

Let’s read together — Luke 17:1–10.

There’s a lot packed into these ten verses — three main thoughts, really, that flow together.

First, Jesus warns about causing others to stumble. He says that stumbling blocks are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! He even says it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these “little ones” to fall. That’s strong language, isn’t it?

It’s a reminder that how we live matters. Our actions, our words, our witness — they all affect the people around us. None of us live in isolation. Maybe we used to call it “losing your witness.” If the way I act, speak, or treat others causes someone to question their faith or stumble, that’s on me. Jesus says we’ve got to take that seriously.

And when He says “little ones,” He doesn’t just mean children — though it certainly includes them. He’s talking about anyone new in the faith, anyone watching us, anyone whose faith could be shaped by what we do. Parents, your kids are watching you. Grandparents, your grandkids are watching you. Church leaders, your people are watching you. The way we live and love matters.

Then Jesus says something equally challenging: If another disciple sins, rebuke them. In other words, don’t just watch someone walk into trouble — speak truth to them. Be honest. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is to correct a friend before they go too far down the wrong road.

That’s why accountability matters. We all need people in our lives who can tell us when we’re wrong — who can call us out in love. I always say, we all need at least one person who has permission to call us an idiot when we need it. Who in your life has that kind of permission? Who can speak truth into your life when you’re headed the wrong way? We all need that — because none of us are beyond stumbling ourselves.

Then Jesus adds another tough one: If they repent, forgive them. And not just once — even seven times in the same day! Over and over, forgive. That’s when the disciples throw up their hands and say, “Lord, increase our faith!” They’re basically saying, “We can’t do that!”

And Jesus replies, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can do it.” It’s not about the size of our faith — it’s about the faithfulness of the One we put our trust in.

Finally, He tells a short story about a servant doing his job. The point is simple — we shouldn’t expect praise for simply being faithful. We’re not called to chase greatness, we’re called to live faithfully. Faithfulness over greatness — that’s the call. When we do the ordinary things well — love well, serve well, forgive well — God takes those small acts and makes them extraordinary.

So today, remember this:

• Watch your witness — others are learning from your life.
• Stay accountable — let people speak truth to you.
• Forgive freely — because it sets you free.
• And most of all, be faithful — because that’s where God does His best work.

You don’t have to be great. You just have to be faithful. God will take care of the rest.

Thanks for being with me today, friends. Have a wonderful weekend, and we’ll see you next time as we continue through Luke 17. God bless!