The Ten Lepers

Luke 17: 11-19

The Power of Thankfulness: A Grateful Heart

Bible Passage: Luke 17:11–19

Summary: In this passage, ten lepers approach Jesus seeking healing. While all were healed, only one returned to thank Him, highlighting the importance of gratitude.

Application: This sermon can remind Christians to be more aware of God's blessings in their lives and to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, even amid challenges. It encourages believers to acknowledge God's goodness consistently and to express appreciation in their daily lives.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the significance of gratitude in one's faith journey and how thankfulness can strengthen our relationship with God. It emphasizes that recognizing and thanking God is an essential response to His grace and mercy.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate healer and provider who isn't just concerned with physical healing but also seeks a relational response from those He helps—showing us that true healing involves spiritual gratitude.

Big Idea: True healing leads to a heartfelt thankfulness. Our response to God's gifts should not just be silence but ought to erupt in praise and gratitude, just like the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the cultural background of gratitude in biblical times, particularly among the Jewish people. It may be helpful to look at the significance of leprosy and healing in the Old Testament, and how thankfulness is portrayed in other biblical texts. Utilize Logos for insights on relevant commentaries and word studies to deepen your understanding and application of this passage.

1. Seek the Savior's Sympathy

Luke 17:11-13

Perhaps, you could begin by exploring how Jesus' willingness to engage with the ten lepers demonstrates His compassion and power to heal. This part of the sermon could emphasize that just as the lepers lifted their voices to seek help, we too must cry out to God in our times of need. The focus could be on recognizing His readiness to listen and bless us, instilling a heart ready for gratitude.

2. Step in Faithful Obedience

Luke 17:14

You might suggest examining how Jesus instructed the lepers to show themselves to the priests, highlighting obedience and faith in the unseen. By stepping out in faith, the lepers received their healing. This could encourage believers to walk in faith, trusting God's word and timing, as this act of obedience often precedes God's miracles, preparing our hearts to respond with thanksgiving.

3. Savor the Savior's Blessings

Luke 17:15-16

Consider focusing on the return of the one leper to Jesus, who praised God with a loud voice and fell at His feet in gratitude. This point could illustrate the importance of acknowledging the Giver and not just the gift. The Samaritan's act of thanksgiving serves as a model of how we should respond to God's blessings in our lives, drawing us closer to Christ in humble worship.

4. Securing Spiritual Wholeness

Luke 17:17-19

Maybe, you could address Jesus' question regarding the other nine lepers, emphasizing that true healing is incomplete without gratitude. The final point might suggest that spiritual wholeness occurs when we recognize and return to the source of our blessings, as seen in the Samaritan leper. Thus, thankfulness is not just a duty but a transformative encounter that deepens our relationship with God.

QUESTIONS: 1. What was the main reason only one leper returned to thank Jesus after being healed?

2. How does the act of gratitude from the Samaritan leper differ from that of the other nine?

3. How can the story of the lepers encourage you to express gratitude in your own life?