Gratitude and Faith: Lessons from the Ten Lepers
Summary
### Summary
Hello, everyone. It's wonderful to see you all today. I want to start by sharing a story that really sets the stage for our discussion. The other day, I was driving and listening to music when a song by Jason Bradley DeFord, also known as Jelly Roll, came on. The song is called "I Need a Favor," and it struck a chord with me. The lyrics talk about only talking to God when in need, and it made me think about how often we do the same. We only reach out to God when we need something, but what about the rest of the time?
Today, we are diving into Luke 17:11-19, a passage that tells the story of ten lepers who met Jesus. These men were ravaged by disease, rejected by society, and required to quarantine. They had nothing to offer but their desperate plea for mercy. As Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee, these ten men stood at a distance and called out, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" Jesus responded by telling them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they went, they were cleansed.
One of the ten, a Samaritan, noticed he was healed and returned to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then Jesus said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
This story is rich with lessons. First, it shows that Jesus often works in ways we don't expect. The lepers were likely disappointed when Jesus didn't heal them immediately but told them to go to the priests. Yet, it was in their obedience that they found healing. This teaches us that faith often requires action, even when we don't understand God's methods.
Second, the story highlights the importance of gratitude. Only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus, and he was a Samaritan, an outcast. This shows that gratitude is not about who we are but about recognizing what God has done for us. The Samaritan's return to Jesus was an act of worship, showing that true faith goes beyond receiving a miracle; it leads to a relationship with God.
Third, the story emphasizes that being made well is more than physical healing. Jesus told the Samaritan that his faith had made him well, implying a deeper, spiritual healing. This is a reminder that God's work in our lives is holistic, addressing our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Finally, the story challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we like the nine who received their healing and went on their way, or are we like the one who returned to give thanks? Do we only talk to God when we need a favor, or do we maintain a relationship with Him through worship and gratitude?
In conclusion, let's strive to be like the one leper who returned to Jesus. Let's not just seek God's help in times of need but cultivate a life of worship and gratitude. Remember, Jesus has made us well, and our response should be one of continual praise and thanksgiving.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Requires Action: The ten lepers were healed as they went to show themselves to the priests, not before. This teaches us that faith often requires us to take steps of obedience even when we don't see immediate results. Trusting God's instructions, even when they don't make sense to us, is a crucial part of our faith journey. [17:28]
2. Gratitude is Essential: Out of the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude was not just a polite gesture but a profound act of worship. It shows that recognizing and thanking God for His blessings is an integral part of our relationship with Him. [23:41]
3. Holistic Healing: When Jesus told the Samaritan leper that his faith had made him well, He implied a deeper healing beyond the physical. This reminds us that God's work in our lives is comprehensive, addressing our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. True wellness comes from a relationship with Jesus. [28:33]
4. Unexpected Ways: Jesus often works in ways we don't expect. The lepers were likely disappointed when Jesus didn't heal them immediately but told them to go to the priests. This teaches us that God's methods may not align with our expectations, but His plans are always for our good. Trusting in His timing and ways is essential. [19:18]
5. Continual Worship: The story challenges us to examine whether we are like the nine lepers who received their healing and went on their way or like the one who returned to give thanks. Our relationship with God should not be transactional but relational, marked by continual worship and gratitude. [37:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction and Jelly Roll's Song
[02:58] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
[04:35] - The Condition of the Lepers
[07:15] - Levitical Laws and Quarantine
[08:48] - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
[10:11] - The Lepers' Plea for Mercy
[12:53] - The Leper's Faith and Obedience
[14:21] - Mercy and Compassion
[17:28] - Faith in Action
[19:18] - Trusting God's Unexpected Ways
[22:10] - Faith Turns to Worship
[23:41] - The Importance of Gratitude
[25:15] - Worship at Jesus' Feet
[28:33] - Holistic Healing
[30:25] - External Circumstances vs. Internal Wellness
[32:06] - Examples of Gratitude in the Bible
[33:19] - Daniel's Faithfulness
[34:40] - The Prodigal Son and Gratitude
[36:03] - The Balloonist's Story
[37:32] - Three Key Lessons
[39:08] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[40:37] - Final Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:11-19
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the ten lepers ask Jesus to do when they saw Him? ([02:58])
2. How did Jesus respond to the lepers' plea for mercy? ([02:58])
3. What was the reaction of the one leper who returned to Jesus after being healed? ([23:41])
4. What did Jesus say to the leper who returned to give thanks? ([28:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed the lepers to go show themselves to the priests instead of healing them immediately? ([17:28])
2. What does the reaction of the one leper who returned to Jesus tell us about the importance of gratitude? ([23:41])
3. How does the story illustrate the concept of holistic healing, addressing more than just physical ailments? ([28:33])
4. What might Jesus' question, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" suggest about human nature and our relationship with God? ([28:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you only reached out to God in a moment of need. How can you cultivate a more consistent relationship with Him beyond just asking for favors? ([01:24])
2. The lepers were healed as they went to show themselves to the priests, not before. Can you think of a situation where you need to take a step of faith before seeing the results? What action can you take this week? ([17:28])
3. The one leper who returned to Jesus did so with a loud voice of praise. How can you incorporate more expressions of gratitude into your daily life? ([23:41])
4. Jesus told the Samaritan leper that his faith had made him well, implying a deeper healing. Are there areas in your life where you need holistic healing? How can you seek God's help in those areas? ([28:33])
5. The story challenges us to examine whether we are like the nine lepers who received their healing and went on their way or like the one who returned to give thanks. How can you ensure that your relationship with God is marked by continual worship and gratitude? ([37:32])
6. Think about a recent blessing or answered prayer in your life. Have you taken the time to thank God for it? How can you make gratitude a regular part of your spiritual practice? ([23:41])
7. The sermon mentioned that Jesus often works in unexpected ways. How can you better trust in God's timing and methods, even when they don't align with your expectations? ([19:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Faith often requires us to take steps of obedience even when we don't see immediate results. Trusting God's instructions, even when they don't make sense to us, is a crucial part of our faith journey. The ten lepers were healed as they went to show themselves to the priests, not before. This teaches us that faith often requires us to take steps of obedience even when we don't see immediate results. Trusting God's instructions, even when they don't make sense to us, is a crucial part of our faith journey.
In the story of the ten lepers, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. It was only as they went that they were cleansed. This act of obedience, despite not seeing immediate results, is a powerful lesson in faith. Often, we want to see the outcome before we take action, but true faith requires us to trust and obey God's instructions, even when the results are not immediately visible. This teaches us that faith is not passive but active, requiring us to step out in trust and obedience.
[17:28]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith and obedience, even if you don't see immediate results? How can you trust God's instructions today?
Day 2: The Importance of Gratitude
Out of the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude was not just a polite gesture but a profound act of worship. It shows that recognizing and thanking God for His blessings is an integral part of our relationship with Him.
Gratitude is a powerful expression of our faith and recognition of God's work in our lives. In the story, only one leper returned to thank Jesus, and he was a Samaritan, an outcast. This act of gratitude was not just a polite gesture but a profound act of worship. It shows that recognizing and thanking God for His blessings is an integral part of our relationship with Him. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have received, fostering a deeper connection with God.
[23:41]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life. How can you express your gratitude to God today in a way that goes beyond words?
Day 3: Holistic Healing
When Jesus told the Samaritan leper that his faith had made him well, He implied a deeper healing beyond the physical. This reminds us that God's work in our lives is comprehensive, addressing our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. True wellness comes from a relationship with Jesus.
Jesus' healing of the lepers was not just about their physical condition. When He told the Samaritan leper that his faith had made him well, He implied a deeper, holistic healing. This reminds us that God's work in our lives is comprehensive, addressing our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. True wellness comes from a relationship with Jesus, who heals us in ways that go beyond the surface.
[28:33]
3 John 1:2 (ESV): "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need holistic healing? How can you invite Jesus into these areas for comprehensive wellness?
Day 4: Trusting God's Unexpected Ways
Jesus often works in ways we don't expect. The lepers were likely disappointed when Jesus didn't heal them immediately but told them to go to the priests. This teaches us that God's methods may not align with our expectations, but His plans are always for our good. Trusting in His timing and ways is essential.
God's ways are often beyond our understanding, and His methods may not align with our expectations. The lepers were likely disappointed when Jesus didn't heal them immediately but told them to go to the priests. Yet, it was in their obedience that they found healing. This teaches us that God's methods may not align with our expectations, but His plans are always for our good. Trusting in His timing and ways is essential for our faith journey.
[19:18]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a situation where God's ways did not align with your expectations. How can you trust His timing and methods in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Continual Worship
The story challenges us to examine whether we are like the nine lepers who received their healing and went on their way or like the one who returned to give thanks. Our relationship with God should not be transactional but relational, marked by continual worship and gratitude.
Our relationship with God should not be transactional but relational, marked by continual worship and gratitude. The story of the ten lepers challenges us to examine whether we are like the nine who received their healing and went on their way or like the one who returned to give thanks. True faith goes beyond receiving a miracle; it leads to a relationship with God characterized by continual worship and gratitude.
[37:32]
Psalm 34:1 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a lifestyle of continual worship and gratitude? What daily practices can you implement to keep your relationship with God vibrant and relational?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I chose every morning just to delight in the new city that I was going to be in. I chose every day to delight in the new city that I'd be in, instead of saying, this is my itinerary, and I have these plans, and I have this purpose, and if it goes this way, I'll rejoice, and if it doesn't, I'll panic. Every day, woke up and said, okay, show me where the winds blow, and we do that every day. God, I give you praise today. I don't know what you're going to do. I don't know what that doctor's test is going to be like. I don't know if I'm going to pass this exam or not, but I give you praise." [36:03]
2. "Sometimes, many times, Jesus does not work like we want or expect him to work. Sometimes, Jesus doesn't work like you want or you expect him to work. If he did, every single one of us would have won the lottery already, right? If he did, that relationship would have not broken up. If he did, that accident wouldn't have happened. If he did, that cancer wouldn't have come. If he did, whatever it was wouldn't have happened if he worked exactly like you thought you wanted him to work." [19:18]
3. "A well person has a continual sense of gratitude. Earlier this week in my devotions, I think it was Monday, I was just thinking about people who were grateful, even though they were in difficult situations, even though they had some challenging moments. In front of their life, here's one, Hannah. Remember his story? This is going to be Samuel's mom, and every year, she goes to worship God, and she's not getting pregnant. Meanwhile, this other woman is her husband's other wife, and she prays, and she prays, and she prays, and she promises God that if she has a child, she'll bring him back. She will dedicate him to God. You know what happens? She struggles and struggles, but when God answers that prayer, she is made well." [32:06]
4. "Church, are you knowing more for your complaining or more for your praising? What happens when bad things come your way, when challenging moments come? Prodigal son, what does he do? He prays. He goes, he goes, I'd rather be in my father's house, and he gives praise. Dad wraps everything around him. The prodigal son, continual. The apostle Paul says, in thanks, in everything, give thanks. A leper. He had nothing to offer God. Absolutely zip. You guys have so much more to offer God than he did, and he comes back like a megaphone. Jesus runs, falls at his feet, praising God." [34:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith turns to worship. I think a lot of people encounter Jesus. I think a lot of people ask Jesus for a favor, ask Jesus to work, and it stops right there. It doesn't go beyond that moment. God, help me. I'm hurting. I've got this disease. I've got this wound, or whatever else, and God heals you, but it never turns into worship. It just turns into that moment where God heals you, and you're good. Thank you, God. You don't even say thank you. You just continue on." [22:10]
2. "Here's the twist to the story. Rise and go. Your faith has made you well. Your faith has made you well. Not healed, but well. The implied meaning there is to save, to deliver, or rescue faith. Here's the picture of faith. They had a need. Jesus, master, have pity on us. Have mercy on us. They had a need. Jesus tells them. The word speaks. The word tells them what to do. In obedience, they do it, and they're healed. That's where many people's faith stops. God heals them. But here's a bigger lesson. One of them, one of them gives thanks. One of them comes back to Jesus. One of them worships with all of his might. And as a result, he is saved. He is delivered. He is rescued in the totality of who he is." [28:33]
3. "Worship expresses your faith. And worship is more than singing the songs that Edgar does. You worship God with your heart throughout the day. You worship God in his quiet moments. God, thank you so much for this opportunity to trust you again. Thank you for this test, this trial, this turmoil that you're running me through. Thank you for the treasures that you have provided. And so, as a result, you've given so much, I give it back to you. And so, giving is an act of worship. When you put your tithe or your offering back there in that silver box, that's an act of worship, going, God, everything I have is yours, and here's a portion of that." [37:32]
4. "Notice, that all of the problems that the leper had, he still has so many problems. He's still homeless. He still doesn't have any money. He's still bankrupt, and he's still homeless. He's still got ratty old clothes on his body. He's still dirty in the hair. He has still got all of these issues. And yet, Jesus can look at him and say, he's well. Great, church. You don't have to put on a shirt and tie. You don't have to dress all fancy. You don't have to pretend that you and your family got along well before you came into the church, and there was no arguing. You come here as you are, and Jesus, worship him. You are well. You are well. He still has major issues. He's externally still stinky, unkept, but he was well. He's still wearing rags, but he is well. He's still unemployed, but he is well. Ten were healed. Ten were healed, but only one was made well." [30:25]
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