Psalm 37:1-9 / Luke 17:5-10

This week we move past parables and into Jesus’ intriguing and inspiring way of integrating faith and daily life. The reading is Luke 17:5-10.

Have you, like the disciples, ever said (to God or yourself), “Increase our faith!” What causes you to want a deeper faith? Where and how does your faith feel in need of a boost?

Jesus’ reply is an exaggeration. No one yet has made a mountain pick up and jump into the sea. Maybe we have not tried hard enough! What do you think Jesus is trying to say, if this is not a literal instruction?

In Luke 15:7-10, Jesus shifts to an odd teaching. Or maybe it is not a shift at all away from the question of having more faith. It is hard for us to relate to a story about slaves and slave-owners, given our country’s awful history. But try substituting “entry-level employee” for “slave” and imagine that Jesus is addressing a business owner.