Miracle and Gratitude (Luke 17:11-19)
Introduction:
In Luke 17:11-19, we find the story of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to express gratitude. This story not only reveals the miraculous power of Jesus but also highlights the importance of a grateful heart in response to God's blessings. It teaches us valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and the often-overlooked virtue of thankfulness.
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1. Jesus Is Always on the Way to Help (Luke 17:11):
"Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee."
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, yet He took the time to help those in need. This reminds us that Jesus is never too busy for us. He is always near, ready to intervene in our lives, no matter our circumstances.
2. The Marginalized Also Cry Out for Help (Luke 17:12):
"As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance..."
Lepers were outcasts in society, marginalized and isolated because of their condition. Yet, even the marginalized cry out to Jesus for help. This shows that no one is beyond His reach or compassion, and He listens to those whom society overlooks.
3. Cry Out in Faith in the Midst of Distress (Luke 17:13):
"...and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us!'"
In their desperation, the lepers cried out to Jesus in faith. They believed He had the power to heal them, and their plea for mercy shows us that even in our most difficult moments, we must call on Jesus, trusting that He will hear us.
4. Obey Jesus’ Instructions Even If You Don’t See the Immediate Miracle (Luke 17:14):
"When he saw them, he said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed."
Jesus instructed the lepers to go and show themselves to the priests before they saw any evidence of healing. Their obedience demonstrates faith in action. We are called to obey God’s commands even when the results aren’t immediately visible, trusting that His timing is perfect.
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5. Obedience to God Brings Healing and Deliverance (Luke 17:14):
"As they went, they were cleansed."
It was in their obedience to Jesus' command that the lepers were healed. This teaches us that healing and deliverance often come when we step out in faith, following God’s instructions even when we don't fully understand His plan.
6. Gratitude Is an Important Response to a Miracle (Luke 17:15):
"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice."
Only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus. This man’s immediate response was to glorify God. Gratitude should be our first response when we experience God’s goodness and miracles in our lives. A thankful heart acknowledges the source of the blessing.
7. Recognize the One Who Healed You and Be Thankful (Luke 17:16):
"He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan."
The leper recognized that his healing came from Jesus and returned to give thanks. This act of humility and worship teaches us to always give credit to God for our blessings, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good things.
8. God Is No Respecter of Persons (Luke 17:16):
"And he was a Samaritan."
The fact that the only one who returned to thank Jesus was a Samaritan highlights that God shows no favoritism. Regardless of social status, race, or background, God’s grace is available to all. This reminds us that God’s love and mercy are extended to everyone.
9. Ingratitude Is More Common Than It Should Be (Luke 17:17):
"Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?'"
Sadly, only one leper returned to give thanks. This reveals how common ingratitude is, even in the face of miraculous blessings. Jesus noticed the absence of gratitude from the other nine, reminding us that we should never take God’s blessings for granted.
10. Salvation Comes Through Faith (Luke 17:19):
"Then he said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'"
While all ten lepers were physically healed, Jesus' words to the one who returned indicate a deeper healing—spiritual salvation. His faith not only brought physical restoration but also a complete, transformative salvation. Faith in Jesus is the key to true wholeness and eternal life.
- Sermon on What We Learn from the Story of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8)
- Sermon on The Wonderful Fishing (Luke 5:1-11)
- Sermon on Winning Without Fighting
Conclusion:
The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 highlights the power of Jesus' healing and the importance of gratitude. While all ten experienced a miraculous physical healing, only one returned to give thanks, receiving a greater blessing of spiritual salvation. This passage reminds us to always recognize God's work in our lives and to respond with gratitude, faith, and obedience. In doing so, we open ourselves to receive even greater blessings from our Lord.
