Gospel lesson of the week
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 17:5-10

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus instructs his followers about the power of faith and the duties of discipleship. Jesus calls his disciples to adopt the attitude of servants whose actions are responses to their identity rather than works seeking reward.

⁵The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” ⁶The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. ⁷“Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? ⁸Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? ⁹Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? ¹⁰So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’”

Gospel Reflection Questions

1. Is faith something that can be measured, or is it just present or absent?
2. What is your motivation for doing what God expects you to do?
3. Can we expect a reward for being faithful?

Prayer

Benevolent, merciful God: When we are empty, fill us. When we are weak in faith, strengthen us. When we are cold in love, warm us, that with fervor we may love our neighbors and serve them for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship.  We encourage you to read the text, reflect on the questions & pray individually and then with others. 

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