17:1-10 Four characteristics of a true disciple
Watch yourselves (in regard to sin)
Forgive others (when they sin against you)
Have faith
Serve your Master in all He asks you to do
v11-19 Before the lepers could be healed, they had to go & show themselves to the priests - they had to obey Jesus before they would be healed. Jesus expected gratitude, praise and thankfulness to God. The question is "do I show these in my relationship to God?"
The Kingdom of God doesn't come with careful observation, nor can you pinpoint it, because it is within you.
The Son of Man's coming will be pointed to wrongly by all sorts of people. When He comes it will be evident to all, but first He must suffer and be rejected. He will come when people are getting on with everyday life, so heed the warnings and be ready!
Jesus emphasises the comprehensiveness of His coming, the unexpectedness and the coming judgment. The people of the world will be caught unawares, but we His people should be ready.
We should be persistent in prayer, in faith seeking God's justice. Don't give up! God is much better than this judge - He is good and giving!
18:9-14 The Pharisee was looking at himself in comparison to others, not before God. He was wrong to thank God for these things. God requires honesty before Him and prayer to be to Him, not to ourselves or others.
18:17 Children have a simplicity, curiosity, naiievity, humility. We should likewise before God.
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