Luke 17:11-19

Introduction:

1. With Thanksgiving this week, it is a good time to count our blessings.

2. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 may seem a bit odd for such an occasion, but it illustrates the elements of a thankful heart.

Discussion:

I. Unclean! Unclean!

A. Quarantine was the means of avoiding the spread of leprosy (Leviticus 13:45-46).

B. Contamination risks led to exclusion and isolation (vs. 12; 2 Kings 15:5).

C. There was no human remedy for leprosy.

II. The Uncleanness of Sin

A. Moral uncleanness is repeatedly condemned (Matthew 23:27; Romans 1:24; 6:19: 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:3; 4:7)

B. Moral uncleanness brings isolation from God and His people (Psalms 1:5; Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8).

C. Like leprosy, there is no human remedy for sin.

III. Mercy Sought and Granted

A. Lepers longed for acceptance and fellowship, leaving them in despair.

B. The lepers’ plight promoted faith in Jesus (vs. 13; Luke 5:12).

C. The morally unclean long for fellowship with God, whether they know it or not (Acts 17:26-27; cf. Acts 2:37; 16:30).

D. God is gracious and merciful (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalms 86:5; 145:9; Luke 6:36; Ephesians 2:4), and Jesus is the embodiment of deity (Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3).

E. Healing lepers was one of many examples of His compassion (Luke 5:12-16; 17:11-19; Acts 10:38).

F. Our spiritual healing by His stripes is the greatest of all His acts of compassion (1 Peter 2:22-24; 1 Corinthians 6:11).

IV. One in Ten

A. Thankfulness is a biblical imperative (Ephesians 5:4, 19-20; Colossians 3:15-17).

B. Of these ten cleansed lepers, only one received it with such overwhelming gratitude he had to show his thanks (Luke 17:15-19).

C. Comfort can make us forget God’s goodness (Deuteronomy8:11-17; Haggai 1:2-4).

D. One leper shows how to receive God’s goodness by:

1. Making effort to thank Him (Luke 17:15).

2. Openly glorifying God (Luke 17:15).

3. Approaching Jesus with humility (Luke 17:16).

4. Having no sense of entitlement (Luke 17:17-19).

Conclusion:

1. These ten lepers lived in a constant state of physical and emotional pain until the day Jesus did for them what no one else could do.

2. We all live in spiritual helplessness until we come to Jesus to have Him do for us what no one else can do.

3. I appreciate that our country has set aside the upcoming day of Thanksgiving each year to remind us of God’s goodness.

4. As we feast later this week, let us be mindful, not only for the material blessings of the day, but especially of the spiritual blessings in Christ.