Sermon on 8 December 2024 by Ps Gaius
Introduction
This account takes place at the border between Samaria and Galilee; there are people from various backgrounds in this place. Jesus was met by ten lepers. Leprosy is a skin disease that causes fingers and toes to fall off. Lepers are people of lowly status, they are shunned by society. Lepers have to declare that they are unclean, and can only integrate back into the community when they are certified cleansed by a priest.
Message
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” - Luke 17:11-19
Jesus heals the sick
All ten lepers saw Jesus, and asked for help to cleanse them of leprosy. All were healed. Healing comes from Jesus. When we talk about sickness, it refers to both physical illness and mental wellness. Jesus can heal all sickness. We have to be different from the people of the world. Either we are thinking about things of the flesh, or of the spirit. As believers, we should be of the spirit.
Jesus helps the lowly
There is nothing wrong with having a lowly status. Jesus Himself came in a humble form. Can we still give thanks when we are at a low point in our lives? We are already blessed when we are able to physically come to church.
Jesus hears the outsider
In this account, the one who praised Jesus was a Samaritan. There must have been Jews amongst the ten lepers. Jews and Samaritans are enemies. But Jesus helped all of them. He did not shut out the outsider. He accepts everyone who seeks Him. Similarly for us, let us help those who do not know Christ.
How should we respond?
Trust
Our faith, our trust, in Him, makes us well. Let us not waver from our faith.
And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” - Luke 17:19
Thanks
When we are thankful, we can turn our mind to the right things.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Think
Train your mind. Can we find any of these eight things in any situation?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8
Try
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:9
Closing
We thank God not only because of all the blessings given to us, but we thank God for who He is, that we have Him. We are His children. We have a relationship with Him.
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