Affirming The Lordship of Christ
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Applying the master/slave paradigm of Jesus' day to our relationship with Christ.
Text: Luke 17:7-10
Date: 09/01/2024, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 163
Description:
As Jesus wraps up a short section of integrated instructions for His disciples on how to shepherd His flock, He turns His attention to the concept of radical servanthood. Some people find Jesus' words in this section offensive, while others find them abrupt and caustic. At the very least they prove to be confusing. For that reason, it will be necessary for us to try and forget our modern sensitivities to the master/slave paradigm and view the relationship from an ancient Middle Eastern perspective. When we acquaint ourselves with this cultural relationship, and the words Jesus uses to describe it, we will realize He is making a crystal clear (and indeed stunning) statement of His own sovereign Lordship over the lives of each of His disciples-- both those who are standing in His presence when He speaks them, and those of us who are following in their footsteps 2000 years later. Ultimately we will realize how badly false teaching concerning this issue has devastated the church and therefore individually and corporately affirm the Lordship of Christ.
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I. Introduction, Acts 4:34, 2:42, 8:20; Rev. 2:10.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 17:7-10.
A. Context
B. Probing the relationship between Master and slave.
1. The impossible relationship, vs. 7.
a. The audience.
b. Identifying the slave and master.
i. A common relationship.
1) The commonality of slaves, Mark 1:20; John 18:15.
2) A non-wealthy master.
ii. The seeming harshness.
b. Understanding the "master/slave" relationship.
i. The "master/slave" paradigm.
ii. The benefits of being a slave.
1) The prospect of a benevolent owner.
2) Taking care of his property.
3) Applying the principle to humans.
4) The woes of a hired hand.
5) Summary
2. The actual relationship, vs. 8.
a. Stating the reality of the situation.
b. Remembering the uncommon story, Luke 12:35-37.
i. Noticing the similarities.
ii. Noticing the differences, Luke 12:40,45-46.
iii. A complex comparison.
1) The absolute maxim, 1Cor. 6:19-20.
2) The confusing part, Isa. 53:4-5; Mark 10:45.
3. The application, vs. 9-10.
a. The central question, vs. 9.
i. An unusual word for "thank", Luke 17:16.
ii. A word for earned favor or merit.
iii. The Theological application.
b. The instruction to the disciples, vs. 10.
i. Looking at the words.
1) The meaning of "commanded".
2) The meaning of "unworthy", Luke 5:31.
ii. The meaning in context.
c. Three applications.
i. The relationship with the disciples.
1) Jesus: Friend and Servant, Luke 12:4-7, 32; John 13:3-5, 15:3-15, 17:20-23.
2) Jesus: Lord of all, Luke 5:8, 8:25; Matt. 16:16; John 20:28.
ii. The relationship with the Pharisees, Matt. 7:22-23.
iii. The relationship with unbelievers.
III. Application
IV. Conclusion
