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Luke 17 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
It is a common occurrence for people to be tripped up in this life. The word Jesus uses in verse 1 to describe a “stumbling block” is also used in many other places in Scripture. In order to get a good understanding of what He’s talking about, let’s explore what it actually means.
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this – not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
Romans 14:13 NASB
In Romans, Paul addresses the stumbling block as the judgment of another brother or sister in Christ. A judgment can come in many different shapes and sizes, but Jesus warns that we as believers should not be the ones to “bait the hook.” Paul addresses it again in Romans 16.
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
Romans 16:17 NASB
There are those who can be stumbling blocks by causing dissension through false teaching among the body. Typically, these people are hung up on their own interpretations and through deceptive speech lead others astray with concepts not based entirely on Biblical truth. Those who are slaves to Jesus will look like Him, but those who are slaves to another will leave a constant trail of division and turmoil.
How strongly does Jesus oppose this action of causing others to stumble?
“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.
Luke 17:2 NASB
Those are some bold words. Jesus is giving a strong warning to those who seek to destroy the body of Christ through various stumbling blocks – the most obvious being judgment. The natural question then becomes, what about sin? How do we make judgments without allowing our judgment to become sinful? Are we to let sin slide by in the name of love? Jesus answers this question in the very next verse.
“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
Luke 17:3 NASB
Jesus encourages believers to deal straightforwardly with each other. In other words, there is a difference between dividing the body by being a stumbling block and dealing honestly in love with one another. A person who deals in love will call out sin (in love) but will be quick to forgive. A person who is divisive does nothing in love but seeks to “punish” the person for their wrongdoing.
In summary, we need to remember that the Holy Spirit has the power to convict. In this way, a stumbling block that comes from Him is exactly what is needed. We must love people where they are, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Much easier said than done. If we have a reputation of shooting straight with truth but doing it in love, that is exactly what Jesus desires most. We cannot achieve this in our flesh. It will only occur through the power of the Holy Spirit.