Transcript
The story in Luke 17:11-19 tells of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. However, out of the ten, only one returned to Jesus to give thanks, and he was a Samaritan. From this story, we can learn several very important spiritual lessons about faith, obedience, and gratitude.
In Jesus' time, leprosy was a greatly feared disease. It not only slowly damaged the body but also caused sufferers to be outcast from society. They had to live separately from their families and the general populace. If anyone approached, they had to shout, “Unclean! Unclean!” Leprosy was not just a physical suffering; it was also a picture of sin that separates humanity from God.
When these ten lepers saw Jesus passing by, they stood at a distance and cried out with a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” They knew that only Jesus could help them.
1. Don't Be Ashamed to Ask God for Help. The ten lepers were not ashamed to cry out to Jesus. They knew that only He could save them. In our own lives, too, we often face problems that we cannot solve on our own. That is when we need to come to God with an open heart and cry out to Him. God never rejects those who sincerely call upon Him.
2. Don't Be Easily Offended or Disappointed. When they cried out, Jesus did not immediately heal them. He merely said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” They were not yet healed, but were asked to go. If they had been easily offended or disappointed, they might not have obeyed that command. But they continued to trust in Jesus. In our lives, we often experience the same thing. Sometimes our prayers are not answered in the way we expect. But strong faith is not easily shaken by circumstances.
3. Remain Obedient to God's Word Even When It Doesn't Make Sense. Jesus' command to go to the priests seemed illogical because they were still sick. Yet they proceeded with faith. The Bible records that as they were going, they were cleansed—they were healed. This teaches that God's power is often manifested when we obey His word.
4. Don't Forget to Give Thanks to God. Of the ten who were healed, only one returned to Jesus to give thanks, and that person was a Samaritan. He returned, glorifying God and falling at Jesus' feet. This story reminds us that many people pray diligently when they need help, but after receiving blessings, they begin to forget God. A true heart is one that always returns to God with thanksgiving.
May we, through this story, learn to always come to God with faith, remain obedient to His word, not be easily disappointed, and always give thanks for every blessing we receive. Amen.
