The Thankful One Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Ten Lepers OWhile traveling the frontier of Samaria and Galilee, Jesus encounters ten lepers OThe lepers stand at a distance OThey cry out: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” – Recognize who Jesus is – Implore Him for mercy OLife of lepers was tragic

Leviticus 13:45-46 The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp. The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.

Outcasts! OLeprosy used for a wide range of skin diseases OLepers were “unclean” – Could not join in the community or in worship OMust wear torn clothes and live outside camp OShouted a warning to others “Unclean!”

Outcasts! OMiserable, lonely life – Apart from friends, family OThese lepers had each other – Equal as outcasts – Formed their own community OThey even had a Samaritan in the group! – Misery can break down barriers – We can often learn from difficulty

Mercy OIt is no wonder they cried to Jesus for mercy – No record of “unclean!” – Only “mercy!”—a cry motivated by humility OWho would not feel sorry for them? OCertainly our Lord did

Going to the Priest OJesus sends them to the priest – Proper procedure OPriest designated as official leper inspector (Lev 13) OOn the way they are all cleansed OWhat joy! OOnly a visit to the priest stood between them and family, friends—life!

The One OBut one—only one—stops OHe turns around OAnd he praises God – Not quietly – “with a loud voice” OTo the One he asked for mercy, the one leper falls on his face and gives thanks

Where Are the Nine? OJesus notices where there were ten, now there is one O“Where are the nine?” OOnly the foreigner—a Samaritan—returned to “give praise to God” – Samaritans born “unclean” OResult: “Your faith has made you well.” – “has saved you” (ESV margin)

Mercy & Sacrifice OJesus ordered the proper procedure by Law OBut the Law is not an end to itself – Must be followed OThe result of obedience is to bring glory to God – Expressions of thanks O“Knowing” God not enough

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

90% vs. 10% OHow often do we fail to give thanks—90% of the time? – Ask  receive  fail to thank OHow do we feel when thanked? OWe all have much for which to be thankful OBe part of the thankful 10%

Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

90% vs. 10% OHow often do we fail to give thanks—90% of the time? – Ask  receive  fail to thank OHow do we feel when thanked? OWe all have much for which to be thankful – Be part of the thankful 10% OTo whom do you owe thanks?

90% vs. 10% OSamaritan was reconciled through thanks OGive honor—thanks—to the one it is due (Rom 13:7) OThanks—glory to God—gives life to our obedience to God – Animates our relationship

Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.