Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by Raphael Moffett

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus teaches profound lessons about forgiveness, faith, and servanthood. This passage challenges us to reflect on our roles as followers of Christ, especially in the context of our interactions with others.

1. The Weight of Responsibility (Verses 1-3)

Jesus begins by addressing the seriousness of causing others to stumble. He warns that it would be better for someone to face dire consequences than to lead a "little one" astray. The call to "watch yourselves" (v. 3) emphasizes our responsibility toward one another, particularly in community settings. As expats in Beijing, we often navigate diverse cultural dynamics. How we conduct ourselves can significantly impact others, especially newcomers to the city who may look to us for help and guidance. We must approach our interactions with grace and understanding, ensuring that our actions reflect Christ's love/care and do not lead them astray.

2. The Challenge of Forgiveness (Verses 3-4)

Jesus takes it a step further by instructing us to forgive repeatedly. The apostles’ request to “increase our faith” (v. 5) reveals their understanding of how challenging this command is for people. Forgiveness is not merely a one-time action; it’s a continual choice that requires strength, faith, and personal reflection. Living in a foreign context can create misunderstandings and conflicts - some intentional and some unintentional. We may find ourselves needing to forgive often or be forgiven, whether it’s a cultural misstep or a personal grievance. Embracing a posture of forgiveness can foster unity and peace among us, reflecting Christ’s mercy in our lives.

3. The Attitude of Servanthood (Verses 7-10)

Jesus concludes with a parable about servanthood, illustrating that true service does not seek recognition. The expectation of a servant is to fulfill their duty without seeking gratitude. In our expat community, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting acknowledgment for our hard work and sacrifices. Yet, Jesus calls us to adopt a humble attitude, recognizing that our service is a response to God’s grace. As we serve one - whether through hospitality, support, or encouragement—we do so not to gain favor but out of a heart that understands our position as unworthy servants who have received much.

Let's pray: Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, especially in our community at City Church and in Beijing. Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us, even (and especially) when it’s difficult. Strengthen our faith, that we may trust in Your promise that a mustard seed Amount of faith can move mountains. As we serve one another, remind us that we do so for Your glory, not for status or recognition. We pray for unity in our community and around the globe and the courage to live out these teachings daily. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you did something that required forgiveness. Did you ask their forgiveness? If so, what did you learn about yourself?
2. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take to extend that forgiveness, and how can faith help you in this process?
3. How can you cultivate an attitude of servanthood in your daily interactions with others in our church, family, and work communities?
4. What are practical ways to support and encourage each other in your faith journey while living abroad?
5. In what areas of your life do you struggle with feeling unappreciated or overlooked? How can you shift your perspective to align with Jesus' teaching on servanthood?