"This is a test." Actually thanksgiving is a test. The heart of gratitude tests whether or not someone is actually living out a genuine faith. We learn about this from a story in the book of Luke that tells of a team of ten lepers whom Jesus healed. But only one was thankful. In this message, Luke encourages us to follow that one leper's example.
Text and questions:
11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, 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 were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine-- where are they? 18 "Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has made you well." 20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Lk. 17:11-21 NAU)
1. What is significant about the location of this story (v.11)?
2. "As they were going," what does this teach us about faith (v. 14)?
3. Can you think of what verses 20-21 have to do with the story in verses 11-19 |
