路加福音 第17 章 Luke Chapter 17
- 馬克牧師
- Mar 30
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 3
各位弟兄姊妹平安，今天我們要讀的是《路加福音》第17章的經文。這一段經文講的是基督徒生活的四個原則，接著耶穌又講了一個醫治大痲瘋病人的故事，讓我們看見人有多麼容易忘恩負義。最後耶穌有一段預言式的講話，論到關於神的國降臨的事情。
首先，來分享基督徒生活的四個準則。
一、使人絆倒的罪（第1-2節）
耶穌警告那些使人跌倒的人有大罪。在我們生命中，常常會有犯罪的時候，但更可怕的是我們「教別人怎麼犯罪」，這就成為使人跌倒的罪。例如：告訴別人可以投機取巧、避開法律責任，或鼓勵人做一些「反正沒人知道」的事，這些都是在教人犯罪。很多人會有一些小聰明，幫助我們逃避一些應當負的責任。舉個例子，逃票是一件小事情，讓我們省掉一點點錢，但這件事情本質還是錯誤的，也許我們可以用一些方式去逃避這種小的責任，甚至我們還教其他人說你們可以如此如此做，就可以省錢了而沾沾自喜。但這樣的行為其實也是 “使人跌倒”。
耶穌說，這種人比自己犯罪還可怕，因為你不只害了自己，也害了別人。神不會以這樣的人為無罪。身為基督徒，首要的要求是自己的道德水平要比世界更高，要更嚴格地要求自己，那怕是小事情上都一樣。
二、饒恕人的原則（第3-4節）
耶穌說：「若是你的弟兄一天七次得罪你，又七次回轉說：『我悔改了』，你總要饒恕他。」這裡的「七次」不是字面上的數字，不是說，一次兩次三次，好，你還有四次機會。而是象徵「完全」的意思。也就是說，基督徒的饒恕是沒有止境的，是一種完全的饒恕。正如耶穌不斷饒恕我們，我們也應當以同樣的態度去饒恕別人。
饒恕他人，其實就是饒恕自己。給自己心平安的機會，給自己學習上帝樣式的機會。饒恕之後就不要在記恨，但是不要忘記，不要懷恨，但也不要輕易再次給予信任。我們應該為得罪我們的人禱告，但不要太輕易給他們第二次，第三次傷害我們的機會。這是我們需要智慧去面對的事情。
三，關於信心 (第5-6節）
曾經有一句話是這麼說的：
「人可以一個月不吃東西，可以三天不喝水，可以三分鐘不呼吸，但不能夠一分鐘沒有信念。」
信心是一個非常看不見、但非常重要的事情。我們所看到的是，一旦失去了信心，任何事情基本上都無法完成。
在人類歷史上所發明的所有東西，其實都被「發明」了兩次：
第一次，是在那個發明者的心中。他先看見了這個可能性，他相信這件事可以被做到；
第二次，他才真正將它實踐出來。
所以如果沒有信心的話，人類是不會往前進步的，也不會不斷地突破那些看似不可能的事情。
四：關於僕人的身分 (7-10節）
我們很多時候在禱告中跟上帝說「主啊」，但我們是不是真的把祂當「主」呢？如果我們真心這樣認為，那麼其實我們就是「僕人」，而僕人並不能跟主人斤斤計較。
在這段經文中，耶穌提醒我們：我們的地位要非常清楚——僕人是服侍主人的。所做的每一件事情，不論多辛苦，其實都是「理所當然的」，都是盡本分的表現。
我們不應該有這樣的心態：「我為神做了這麼多，上帝是不是該回報我什麼？」因為事實是：主人（上帝）為我們做的，早已遠遠超過我們所能回報的。上帝為我們所付出的代價，賜給我們的救恩與恩典，是我們無論做什麼都還不完的。
所以我們沒有資格對上帝說：「主啊，我為你做了這麼多，難道你不該給我什麼嗎？」
當我們在信仰中出現「上帝若沒做什麼，就是欠我」這樣的想法，其實是非常危險的。這個信仰從來都不是一個 “交換機制”，不像是民間信仰裡面所說的我給了這麼多供品，上了這麼多香，祢應該祝福我，讓我升官發財這種 “交換“。上帝是愛我們的天父，祂所賜給我們的一直都是遠超過我們所能還給他的。
我們應當理解：上帝本來就已經將萬有賜給我們，我們所做的一切，都是對這份恩典的 ”回應”，從來都不是為了去 “賺取” 救恩。
關於醫治大麻瘋的故事：人性中的忘恩與感恩
這段故事很直接地說明了人類其實是很容易忘恩負義的。我們看到有 10個長大痲瘋的病人 來到耶穌面前求醫治，耶穌 一句話就把他們都醫治好了。
而這10個人離開之後，居然只有一個人回來，來感謝上帝，來感謝耶穌。
更令人驚訝的是，這個人竟然不是猶太人，而是撒瑪利亞人。耶穌藉著這個對比提出了一個嚴厲的問題：
「難道只有這個外邦人會來感謝？」
當我們仔細思想，會發現我們自己很多時候也一樣——我們所得到的恩典，其實不是理所當然的，我們是很受到這個社會、這個世界的照顧。
我們今天能夠擁有的這一切，其實是很多人、很多制度、很多環境條件成就的。
但我們是否曾為這些恩典獻上感謝？還是我們總是在說：「別人都欠我」？
「這個系統太差」
「這個政府不給力」
「我沒有成功是因為別人不幫我」
這樣的心態，是把一切責任推到外面，活在「別人都欠我」的觀念裡，永遠都不會真正快樂。
而真正的自由，是來自於感恩的心。
當你知道：「我今天擁有的一切，其實都是恩典」，你就能夠活出一個輕省、快樂、有盼望的人生。
所以，感恩的心態，是基督徒生命中非常重要的成分。
法利賽人問神的國幾時來到？
法利賽人來問：「神的國幾時來到？」耶穌的回答說出了一個關鍵的真理：
「神的國來到不是眼所能見的。神的國就在你們心裡。」
在英文聖經(Amplified Bible)中這段話是這樣講的：
“For the kingdom of God is among you because of My presence.”
意思是：當耶穌與人同在，神的國就已經臨到。
神的國，無形卻真實存在
今天我們談論神的國，也是一樣：
你說神的國在地上嗎？在的。
但你能看到國界嗎？沒有。
有政府部門嗎？沒有。
有護照嗎？沒有。
可是你看，全世界各地都有教會，凡有教會的地方，就有神的國度。甚至可以說得更精準一點：凡有信上帝的人，就有祂的國度。那麼這個人走到哪裡，神的國就臨到哪裡。
這不是肉眼可見的國度，因為很多時候我們根本不知道誰是基督徒，但神的國卻透過這些人的生命，真實地存在、運行在地上。
人子再臨與審判的警告
耶穌接著預言了人子再來的時候：
祂說：那時會像閃電一樣迅速與震撼。
在那之前，祂要先受許多苦，被這世代所棄絕。
祂提到了兩個例子：
挪亞的日子：人照樣吃喝嫁娶，直到洪水來臨。
羅得的日子：人照樣買賣建造，直到天火降下。
意思是，人在完全沒有預備的情況下，審判就來了。不要預測世界末日，要忠心做工。耶穌不是要我們去預測哪一天是世界末日，而是要我們專心做工、忠心守職，直到祂來。祂想遇見的，是那個正在忠心服事、默默完成使命的僕人。
33-35節的提醒：
想要保全生命的，必喪掉生命；凡為我喪掉生命的，必救活生命。
意思是：如果你一直只為自己活著，想要抓緊生命，你最終會失去它；但當你願意為上帝的國擺上自己，祂必會救活你的生命。
祂又說：
兩個人在床上，一個被取去，一個撇下； 兩個女人推磨，一個被取去，一個撇下。
這裡要提醒我們一件事：
就算你們做的是一樣的事，結果卻不一定一樣。
信仰不是夫妻共享的——不是因為你是某人的丈夫、妻子，你就會得救。
信仰是個人的，是你要親自向上帝交帳的。
今天的屬靈反思：
我自己的生命是如何經營的呢？我呼喊上帝為主，我對他的態度是如何的呢？我的信仰是自己的，還是倚靠著別人的呢？
感謝各位的聆聽，我們明天繼續分享第十八章的故事，願上帝祝福各位。
Peace to you, brothers and sisters. Today we are reading Luke chapter 17.
This passage speaks about four key principles for Christian living. Then, Jesus tells a story about the healing of ten lepers, which shows us how easily people forget gratitude. Finally, Jesus gives a prophetic teaching about the coming of the Kingdom of God.
First, the Four Principles for Christian Life
1. The Sin of Causing Others to Stumble (Verses 1–2)
Jesus warns that those who cause others to stumble commit a great sin.In our lives, we often make mistakes—but what's even more dangerous is when we teach others how to sin, leading them astray.
For example: telling someone how to take shortcuts, how to avoid legal responsibility, or encouraging others to do things like “it’s okay, no one will find out.” These are all ways of teaching others to sin.Many people use little tricks or clever ideas to avoid responsibility.
Like fare dodging—it may seem small and helps you save some money, but it's still wrong in essence. Even worse, we may go on to teach others how to do it, and take pride in it. But in doing so, we’re causing others to stumble.
Jesus said that such people are even more dangerous than those who simply sin themselves—because not only are they harming themselves, they are dragging others down with them.God will not hold such people guiltless.As Christians, we are called to hold ourselves to a higher moral standard than the world, and to be strict with ourselves even in small matters.
2. The Principle of Forgiveness (Verses 3–4)
Jesus said:“If your brother sins against you seven times in a day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Here, the number “seven” is not a literal count. It doesn’t mean, “Okay, once, twice, three times—four left.”In the Bible, seven symbolizes completeness. So Jesus is teaching that the Christian’s forgiveness should be limitless—a complete forgiveness.Just as Jesus constantly forgives us, we are to forgive others in the same way.
To forgive others is, in a sense, to forgive yourself.It gives your heart peace, and gives you the opportunity to learn from God’s example.Once you forgive, do not hold grudges—but it doesn’t mean you must forget, nor easily trust again.We are called to pray for those who wrong us, but also to use wisdom and not give them repeated chances to hurt us again.
3, The Concept of Faith (Verses 5-6)
There’s a saying:“A man can go a month without food, three days without water, three minutes without air—but not a single minute without faith.”
Faith is invisible, but it is vitally important.Once faith is lost, nothing can be accomplished.
Every invention in human history was actually “invented” twice:
First, it was imagined in the mind of the inventor. He saw the possibility and believed it could be done;
Then, he brought it into reality.
Without faith, human progress is impossible.Faith is what pushes us forward and makes us break through what seems impossible.That’s the kind of faith Jesus is encouraging us to have—faith that can move mountains.
4 Understanding Our Identity as Servants (Verses 7–10)
Many times, we pray saying “Lord,” but do we really treat Him as Lord?
If we truly believe that, then we are His servants—and a servant doesn’t argue or haggle with the master.In this passage, Jesus reminds us to be clear about our position: the servant’s job is to serve.
Whatever we do, no matter how hard, is simply our duty—nothing to boast about.We should not have the attitude of:“I’ve done so much for God, shouldn’t He reward me?”
The truth is, our Master—God—has already done far more for us than we could ever repay.He gave us salvation and grace, at a price we could never afford.So we have no right to say,“Lord, I did all this for You, don’t You owe me something?”
Whenever we have the idea that “God owes me something if He doesn’t act”, it’s actually a very dangerous mindset.Christian faith is not a transaction.It’s not like folk religion, where you offer incense and expect blessings in return.God is our loving Father. Everything He gives us is far beyond what we can repay.
Our service to God is always a response, never a means to earn salvation.
The Story of the Ten Lepers: Human Ingratitude vs. Gratitude
This story clearly illustrates how easily humans forget gratitude.Ten lepers came to Jesus for healing.Jesus healed all of them with just a word.Yet after they left, only one returned to give thanks.
Even more striking—that one was not a Jew, but a Samaritan.
Jesus uses this contrast to issue a sharp question:“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
If we reflect honestly, we’ll realize we are often the same.The blessings we have are not guaranteed or deserved.We live in a world where we’re often well cared for—by society, by systems, by people around us.
But how often do we truly give thanks?Or are we always saying:
“This system is broken.”
“The government is failing.”
“I’m not successful because others didn’t help me.”
This kind of mindset puts all the blame outside, living in a world where “everyone owes me,” and you’ll never be truly happy.
True freedom begins with a grateful heart.When you realize: “Everything I have today is by grace,”You can live a life that is light, joyful, and full of hope.Gratitude is a vital part of a Christian life.
The Pharisees Ask: “When Will the Kingdom of God Come?”
The Pharisees came and asked, “When will the Kingdom of God come?”Jesus’ reply reveals a crucial truth:
“The Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed.The Kingdom of God is within you.”(Amplified Bible: “The kingdom of God is among you because of My presence.”)
Meaning: Where Jesus is present, the Kingdom is already here.
The Kingdom of God: Invisible Yet Real
Today, it’s the same:
Is the Kingdom of God on earth? Yes.
Can you see its borders? No.
Is there a passport?
A government building? No.
But all around the world, there are churches.Where there is a church, there is the Kingdom of God.More precisely: Wherever someone believes in God, His Kingdom is there.Where that person goes, the Kingdom goes.
It’s not visible to the eye, because we often don’t know who is a Christian.But God’s Kingdom is real—it exists and operates through the lives of His people.
The Coming of the Son of Man and Final Judgment
Jesus then prophesies about His return:
It will be like lightning—sudden and powerful.
Before that, He must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.
He gives two historical examples:
In the days of Noah: people were eating, drinking, marrying—until the flood came.
In the days of Lot: people were buying, selling, building—until fire fell from heaven.
In both cases, life was normal—until sudden judgment came.
The point is not to predict the end, but to be faithful and ready.
Jesus is not asking us to guess when the end will come.He wants to find us faithfully working, doing what we’ve been entrusted with.
Verses 33–35: A Final Warning
“Whoever tries to save their life will lose it;but whoever loses their life for My sake will keep it.”
Meaning:If you live only for yourself, always trying to protect your own interests,you will ultimately lose everything.
But if you are willing to lay down your life for God and His Kingdom,He will give you true life.
He also says:
“Two people will be in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken, the other left.”
This is a powerful reminder:Even if you do the same work, your results may not be the same.
Faith is not shared between spouses.You cannot be saved because of your husband or wife.Each person must stand before God on their own.
Today’s Spiritual Reflection
How am I living my own life?I call God “Lord”—but do I treat Him as Lord?Is my faith truly my own, or am I depending on someone else’s?
Thank you for listening.Tomorrow, we’ll continue with Luke chapter 18.May God bless you all.
Comments