17:2 millstone A large stone used to grind grain in a mill.

little ones Likely refers to new or immature believers (compare Matt 18:1–6).

17:3 forgive Forgiving someone who repents is not just an option; it is commanded by Jesus.

17:4 seven times Suggests the need for abundant forgiveness (compare Matt 18:21–22). Jesus advocates for forgiving as a response to divine forgiveness. See note on Luke 6:37.

17:6 a mustard seed A tiny seed that grows into a 10-foot-high shrub (see note on Matt 17:20).

mulberry tree The Greek word used here indicates a large tree that would be difficult to uproot. In a parallel saying from Matthew, Jesus refers to a mountain instead of a tree (Matt 17:20).

17:10 We are unworthy slaves Jesus encourages His disciples to conduct themselves as humble slaves to God, in contrast to the self-aggrandizing Pharisees (16:14–15).

Miracles of Jesus Table

17:11 while traveling toward Jerusalem Luke reminds his readers that Jesus is still in the midst of His travels.

the region between Samaria and Galilee Samaria was between Galilee and Judaea, where Jerusalem was located.

17:12 lepers This description could indicate a range of skin diseases (see note on 5:12).

who stood at a distance Due to the fear of contagion, people with skin diseases were required to withdraw from the community and alert anyone who was approaching. See Num 5:2–3; Lev 13:45–46.

17:13 Jesus, Master, have mercy on us Their prior knowledge of Jesus suggests that they are calling for Him to heal them, not begging for alms.

17:14 Go and show yourselves to the priests According to the law, people with a skin disease had to be examined by a priest, who would determine whether they were clean or unclean (see Lev 13:1–59 and note; Lev 14:1–32 and note).

they were cleansed Healed of their leprosy and rendered ceremonially clean.

17:16 he fell on his face at his feet Paying homage to Jesus as He praises God the Father.

he was a Samaritan Luke withholds this detail until now for dramatic effect. Samaritans and Jews despised each other (see note on Luke 10:33).

17:18 except this foreigner Presumably, then, the other nine lepers were Jews. Jesus marvels at their lack of expressed gratitude.

17:19 Your faith The faith of one of Israel’s loathed neighbors—a Samaritan—is elevated above the faith of Jews. Jesus often associates faith and healing (e.g., 5:20; 7:9, 50; 8:48; 18:42).

17:20 when the kingdom of God would come The Pharisees (see note on 5:17) likely are envisioning a political and military kingdom that would be established by overthrowing Judaea’s Roman overlords. Compare note on Mark 1:15.

with things that can be observed Such as acts of worldly power.

17:21 the kingdom of God is in your midst Refers to Jesus’ ministry (see Luke 11:20; Matt 12:28).

17:22 one of the days Refers to the day of Jesus’ appearing. Luke uses the plural form to correspond with the later references to the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26, 28).

the Son of Man This title, used frequently by Jesus in reference to Himself, comes from Dan 7:13–14, where it describes an enigmatic figure associated with an everlasting kingdom (see note on Matt 8:20).

and you will not see it Jesus indicates that the disciples will not see His return at the time when they desire it. This is not necessarily referring to a postponement of Jesus’ return, but likely is related to His statement about God’s kingdom arriving in ways that cannot be observed (Luke 17:20).

17:24 as the lightning shines forth Indicating that Jesus’ coming will be sudden and apparent to everyone.

17:25 to suffer many things Alludes to the fate that awaits Jesus in Jerusalem—His death on the cross.

17:26 the days of Noah A time of judgment, when humanity was destroyed by the flood due to its depravity (Gen 6:5–8). See note on Luke 17:30.

17:28 the days of Lot Another reference to divine judgment, when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed due to their wickedness (Gen 19:23–29). See note on Luke 17:30.

17:30 it will be just the same Throughout the passage, Jesus is comparing His future return in glory to the divine judgment carried out in the days of Noah and Lot (vv. 26, 28). The Son of Man’s revealing will be characterized by destruction of evil and salvation of believers—factors that associate Jesus’ return with the Day of Yahweh envisioned by ot prophets (see Joel 1:15 and note).

17:32 Remember Lot’s wife Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying the angel’s command to not look back (Gen 19:17, 26).

17:33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life Luke records Jesus making a similar statement during His ministry in Galilee (Luke 9:24).

17:37 there also the vultures will be gathered Jesus’ statement here might reflect a known proverb of His day. In the same way that circling birds signal the presence of a corpse, there will be discernible signs that point to impending divine judgment and Jesus’ return in glory.