Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
The message was brought by Rev. Bob Surber on November 24, 2024.
We are to remember that glory and thanksgiving belongs to God. Paul was a gifted man but he knew he had nothing, was nothing, without God. He was careful to tell others to be thankful. Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. It shows our appreciation of what God has done. It is to be shown, not just said. God will bless those who show him appreciation.
In this scripture Jesus was met by 10 lepers. This was a terrible affliction. Separation from others was required. The only friends would be others with leprosy. This disease ate away the flesh. Leprosy is compared to sin, a much more hideous affliction of mankind. There was no remedy for leprosy outside of a miracle. There is no earthly cure for sin. The only answer is Jesus. These men asked Jesus for mercy. That’s all we as sinners can do as well. Ask Jesus for mercy. We’re not worthy, but I’m glad he’s merciful. Jesus had compassion and told them to go show themselves to the priests. On another occasion Jesus touched a leper. This time it was to obey his word and do what the book of Leviticus instructed. They took him at his word and headed that way. As they went things began to happen. They were being healed–all 10 of them.
We receive miracles every day. We get to eat. We had a car to get here. We were kept safe on the highway. We tend to take things for granted. Nine of the men kept on going. Only one turned back and returned to thank Jesus for healing him. As we prepare to eat and shop this week, remember thanks and giving. To whom do we give thanks? Not ourselves. Take time to thank God. This is not something we do by force. We do it because we want to. We offer it from a sincere heart.
The one leper remembered how he was just moments before and was glad and thankful he was healed. He knew where it came from and came to offer appreciation and thanks to Jesus. He fell at Jesus’ feet and gave thanks. If you really want to show thanks, give yourself to Jesus. Give to him afresh. Don’t be like the nine who didn’t return. What we do is up to us. Only you can do it for yourself. The one who returned was made whole in body and soul because he trusted the Lord. His faith made him whole. There is room for everyone at the feet of Jesus. Let’s remember to give and show appreciation to God for all he does for us.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 