I Am the One!

Scripture

Luke 17:11–12 NKJV

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.

Luke 17:13–14 NKJV

And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

Luke 17:15–16 NKJV

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

Luke 17:17–19 NKJV

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

Big Idea: I will make the choice to show gratitude to God even if I walk alone.

Introduction:

What is leprosyThe narrative of what Jesus is doing

I. Same Situation and Circumstance

We see this morning our Lord encounter a group of people who are riddled with Leprosy. Leprosy is a contagious disease that can range from a rash all the way to flesh and body parts literall falling off.

We see 10 men in similar circumstance. We see 10 men in dire need. The Bible says they met Jesus. But because of their condition they could not come close to him. So they yelled from where they were, they yelled “Have Mercy on Us !”

Have you ever been there? I sure have. Wrapped up in a situation that leaves you as a societal outkast. Nobody wants to be associated with you because you are damaged goods. As it would seem the simplest solution is to just give and give in. But on your way to wave the white flag, you met a man named Jesus!

And everything inside you said “This is my chance! This is my moment! I’m going to get healed today. I’m going to be delivered today. You cry our Jesus Have Mercy on me!

Jesus doesn’t interview them

He does not try to find out the cause fo their situation.

He just begins to give them instruction.

Note: Note that they needed the priest for healing. They needed the priest for validation that healing had taken place.

The Bible records that Jesus sent them to the priest. And on their way! They WERE HEALED!

Ourlord has saved them from something mean invasive and

II. Same Result but Different Response

Luke 17:15–16 NKJV

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

Point:

Why does the Bible take the time to give us the nationality of the leper? The Samaritians are half breed Jews and are considered outcasts.He was forgiven and healed and He knew that he a Samaritan did not deserve it! The very thought of this overwhelmed him.

Power principle: Weak Praise can be a sign of Poor Perspective.

See Luke 7:47

Luke 7:47 NKJV

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

You see the other 9 aren’t listed as Samaritians. The fact that they are following Mosaic Law lets us know that they are Jews.

PQ: Isn’t it funny how the religious folk received from God...... But did not take the time to tell Him Thank you?

Parallel Hermeneutical Bridge

Often times today we as God’s people have adopted this attitude. Many of us have started shopping for Christmas before Thanksgiving has ever began. Every year the season to be thankful is shortened in favor of commercialism and materialism.

The world now cherishes Black Friday more than Good Friday.

WOW: If we are not careful, we can get sucked into the culture and miss the blessing of Gratitude.

This is the opportunity and to shed the mentality of entitlement and take on a posture that both receives and invites the presence and grace of God.

1 Peter 5:5–6 NKJV

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

James 4:6–7 NKJV

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Just above the subtitle in the KNJV of vs 7 of James 4 is a powerful statement:

Humility........Cures......Worldliness

Sometimes the cares of this life, if we are not careful can choke our connection with our creator. It can position us in posture that makes it difficult to receive from God

Some people are not good ground to sow into. They process things different ways. Jesus gives us insight as he shares how some people process the word.

Matthew 13:22 NKJV

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

But today I am not here today adjudicate the intentions of the 9. I am wondering. Can I find someone like me that will bless God like the one?!

Psalm 107:31 NKJV

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Luke 17:15–16 “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.”

Today I make the declaration that I am the One! Even if no one else will show gratitude, I realize what God has done for me. It will show up in my :

Profession

Posture

Praise

1. Profession - He announced his faith publically although He was not a full blooded Jew.

2. Posture - His outward posture matched his inner appearence. He was humble and Thankful for what God has done.

Praise - He began to give God praise

Psalm 100:1–2 NKJV

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Psalm 100:3–4 NKJV

Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.