Commentaries on Gospel Events
Lessons on Service
Winter A. D. 29
Perea
It would seem pretty important to know who "these little ones" are in verse 2.
Luk 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.There don't seem to be any kids around.
Jesus does seem to refer to his disciples as these little ones.
The business about "unprofitable servants" is considered to be a parable. Possibly it could be a key to solving the parable of the unjust steward; as could be 1 Cor 9 where Paul lists and limits his rights as a minister.
Luke
Luk 17:1
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!Luk 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Luk 17:3
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.Luk 17:4
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.Luk 17:5
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.Luk 17:6
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.Luk 17:7
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?Luk 17:8
And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?Luk 17:9
Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.Luk 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.