Unexpected | Part 3 | Chris Jones

Message Text

Luke 17:11-19

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Message Notes

1. Good things come from obedience.

There are reasons God instructs us to do things a certain way. They almost never require our understanding or approval.
Jesus instructed the men to show themselves to the priest, as they walked in obedience they were healed.
Obedience is an outward expression of faith.

2. Comparison is the killer of thanksgiving.
Luke 5:12-16 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Grace looks different in different circumstances. It is never useful to compare.

3. Never become so attached to the blessing that you forget the Blesser.
When he realized he was healed he turned back shouting his gratitude.
Our gratitude should be equal to or greater than our ask.
Contentment always makes room for thanksgiving.

4. Thanksgiving is an expression of faith.
19Then he said to him,“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Everybody isa recipient of the grace of God, faith gives you the ability to thank Him for it.

5. If only one returns keep heading toward Jerusalem.
Gratitude is something we give away not depend on for obedience.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.