Jesus is the greatest teacher who has ever lived. The people who listened to Him knew there was something different; something distinct; something unique concerning His teaching. Some said Jesus taught “as one having authority.” His teaching was noticed! The crowds flocked to Jesus during His ministry. Some sought Him out because of the wonders and signs He performed hoping perhaps to be healed themselves. Others sought Jesus because of how He taught.
The apostles were blessed in many ways. One of their greatest blessings was the opportunity to listen to Jesus proclaim God’s Word again and again. The apostles had a front row seat at the feet of the Messiah. They were able to bring their questions and concerns to the Son of God. Imagine having the opportunity to ask Jesus to teach you to pray. Can we even contemplate what it would be like to come to Jesus and ask Him to increase our faith? This is exactly what happens in Luke 11 and Luke 17.
In Luke 11, one of the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught His disciples.” Jesus had a powerful prayer life. There are some eternal, unchanging truths we know about Jesus. His resume contains the following facts. Jesus was in the beginning with God. John shares this truth in John 1:1. We also know Jesus is in fact God. In Hebrews 1:8, God the Father refers to the Son as God. Jesus has also been given all authority in heaven and on earth. In Matthew 28:18, Matthew records this exact statement as spoken by Jesus. Reflect on these truths concerning Jesus. He was in the beginning with God. Jesus is God. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. All of these facts are true and unchanging. Knowing all of this, does it amaze you that Jesus spent time in prayer while here on earth? Jesus prayed after learning of the death of His cousin in Matthew 14:23. Jesus prayed early in the morning in Mark 1:35. Jesus prayed all night before selecting His twelve apostles in Luke 6. Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples and for all who believe in Him in John 17. Jesus was a man of prayer. The disciple in Luke 11:1 was wise for seeking Jesus’ help in developing His prayer life.
Luke records another occasion where the apostles seek Jesus help in Luke 17:5. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus “as the author and perfector of faith” in Hebrews 11:2. There is a direct challenge in this verse to “fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of faith.” The apostles were literally able to do this. Their eyes gazed into the eyes of the Messiah. Their ears heard His voice proclaim God’s truths. Their hands touched His hands. They were able to see what great faith looked like as they observed the life of Jesus. Luke 17 and 18 demonstrates to us how to increase our faith. These chapters contain both negative and positive examples of faith. In Luke 17, Jesus heals ten lepers. Of the ten who were cleansed, only one came back to thank Jesus. In verse 19, Jesus commends this man for His faith. Thankfulness to God is an expression of our faith. In Luke 18, the Pharisee and the rich young ruler emerge as individuals who need to grow in their faith. The Pharisee had placed his faith in his own goodness. The rich young ruler placed his faith in his great wealth. These men who seemed to have everything in reality had nothing. In contrast to these two individuals, the publican and the Baritmaeus stand out as examples of great faith. The publican realized he needed Jesus. He knew he was a sinner. His words in Luke 18:13 should flow from our lips every day, “God be merciful to me, the sinner!” Blind Bartimaeus was commended for his faith in Luke 18:42. This man also understood his need for Jesus. He seized the moment when Jesus walked by. Nothing was going to keep this man from Jesus. Realizing our need for Jesus is another indicator of faith in God.
We would be wise to seek help from Jesus. Jesus can teach us to pray. Jesus can increase our faith. Devote time this week to reading Luke 17 and 18. Answer the following questions as you study these chapters:
- How would you describe the forgiveness of Jesus?
- What do you need to do to increase your faith?
- Have you ever been guilty of taking Jesus for granted?
- Is it easier to trust in self or trust in God?
- How can a person overcome selfishness?
- Read Luke 18:9-14. Which of these two men best describes you?
Three Predictions & One Truth 