mySundaySermons

Luke 17:11-19 “Appreciation”

11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” [NRSA]

 

Go and show yourselves to the priests.

He was a Samaritan!

Where are the other nine?

 

Appreciation:

Gratefulness is a gift we give to God, and in practice to one another.

 

 

V10-11 There is a time gap. Beginning with the 9^th chapter Jesus had left the Galilee region for the last time. Beginning his journey toward Jerusalem. 9.51) 17.10 on the Sabbath near the Jordon River, Pouria. He receives the urgent call from Mary and Marth to respond to Lazarus. Going north in the lower Galilee, as he enters into this unnamed village, he met 10 men with lepercy.

 

The mystery of transmission.  Hanson’s Disease, still not know how it is transmitted today, except for a nursing mother.

 

Quarantined outside the village, survived by begging or through garbage. Required to cry out unclean of the social law, to warn anyone to stay away. 150 feet away to keep the distance. Unlawful to touch a leper. These ten stood far off. Calling to Jesus, “have mercy on us”. They had no doubt heard of the fame of Jesus and his power to heal.

 

The commission to the disciples was to heal the sick, to cleanse the lepper. Many were healed. Probably caused a spark of hope, “if I can only see Jesus.” One hope, of one day maybe seeing Jesus and he having mercy upon them. When the word came to these ten, they must have been very excited, JESUS! Have mercy on us!!

 

Jesus’ response is to go show yourselves to the priests. The first step of restoration. Fascination: Even though there was no known cure, yet in the law there was a provision for the leper in the day of his cleansing. To be restored back into the society.

 

A provision for grace and mercy to be exercised. God’s grace is to be extended and restored. ROOM FOR GRACE. The open door for miraculous work in the life of an individual.

 

Step one, GO show yourself to the priest, AS THEY WENT THEY WERE HEALED

The step of faith

Healing was not instant, it took and exercise of faith to head toward the priest, in faith and obedience they were made well.  Luke 5 another leper healed. Jesus touched him and said, I will and he was made well, go show yourself. In 5 it was instant, in 17 he didn’t touch them and not healed instantly. But on the way.

 

Make the point God does not always work in the same way even when doing the same thing. We can’t put God in a box saying what God will or will not do and when God will or will not do any certain thing. Jesus is not bound to a set form. God works in different ways, so many different denominations. He touch me and the touch me nots. People can divide over God’s diversity of work. Be encouraged that God doesn’t work the same way, so we are not short changed because our experience is different. “ God is not working in/on me.” God is limited to one grace but shown in a variety of Methodist. One Lord, many gifts, One hope, different works.

 

We have a need to be open to how God will be working in my life. Don’t confined God to a single method. God is not restricted.

As they went, they were healed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back and glorified God. All healed. But one looked at his condition changed, I’m HEALED! His response is praising God. Loud voice. He paused from going to the priest, given Jesus thanks, and he was a Samaritan. Many pray, one give thanks.

BAD Blood between Samaria, after to Babylonian release the Samaritans wanted to help rebuild the temple: Some were allowed to return to ward off wild animals… returned Israelites, part Jew and part something else, over time when Judah returns, some 70 years, your not full blooded. Mutual divide.

Jesus and disciples going through Samaria, was unusual, to even travel through the region.

[Good Samaritan story]

 

WHERE ARE THE NINE? 9 Israelites, Jesus misses the praise due him.

Where am I in response to Christ’s work through me?

 

May we be ready to return to the feet of Jesus to give thanks and praise.