November 28, 2021

FROM HOPELESS TO WHOLE

November 28, 2021

Charles Billingsley

 

Hope is something no one can live without. What are some things—or scenarios—that you’re hoping for as a new year approaches?

 

We are taking a break this week from our “Read the Bible through” sermons to be reminded of the importance of a grateful heart. As we celebrated Thanksgiving this past week, it was a time to remember God’s gracious acts toward us this past year. Today, we will concentrate on Luke 17, focusing on Jesus’ healing of ten lepers. As the ten left to show themselves to the priest, we see one return to Jesus in an attitude of worship and thankfulness. Most of us will be surprised to learn from the sermon that the attitude of gratitude has many benefits.

 

Focal Passage: Luke 17:11-19

The Hopeless Situation

  • Read Luke 17:11-12. What are some things you know about leprosy in Bible times? Why were the ten standing far from Jesus? Why was their life hopeless?
  • Read verse 13. What was significant in the phrase the lepers “lifted up their voices”? What was their cry? Why do you think they did not ask for healing?

The Hopeful Response

  • Read Luke 17:14a. What would you have thought if Jesus had responded to your cry by answering as He did? Does anyone recall the story of Naaman, the commander of the Army of the King of Syria, who sought out Elisha (2 Kings 5)? How were those two events similar? What did Elisha tell Naaman to do?
  • What was Naaman’s response in 2 Ki 5:9-10.? What were the ten lepers probably talking about as they obeyed Jesus’ words? What would have happened if they had not done as He instructed?
  • Why is it hard to know whether they left Him discouraged or hopeful? As they felt the change start occurring in their bodies, how were they probably reacting?

Why does Luke say, “as they went”? How do you know this had been one small step of faith with each footfall? Can you picture their excitement as healing began?

Their Health Restored

  • Read Luke 17:14b. When they had arrived where Jesus was, what did they have in life? Now, being cured, what did it mean to the men?
  • Why is it so sad that nine kept on going toward the temple?

The Happy Return

  • Read verses 15-16. What did the one man do? Possibly they had gone as many as a few miles. But what was uppermost in his heart and mind as he saw his healing? As he returned to Jesus, what did he do? Why is his nationality told?
  • How often do we have a spirit of worship when God answers prayers for us? How many times do you remember to tell Him “Thank You”?

The Healing Completed

  • Read Luke 17:17-18. If we liken these two verses to our church on a Sunday, how would it represent those in the pews? Why are many people ungrateful? Read Luke 18:13-14. How are the publican and the leper similar? What was the attitude of their hearts?
  • Read Luke 17:19. What were Jesus’ final words to the man? The Greek word for “whole” is sozo for “completely saved.” His faith was not misplaced in the Savior!

 

Close

There are many lessons we can learn from this event. These men, having a disease that would end in death, had no hope. They heard about Jesus and made the trip to find Him. As we felt compassion for them, we also felt their despair. They were given instructions and, taking one step at a time, they headed toward the temple. All are cured, but one returned with faith, thankfulness, and a heart of worship. He was saved—not only health-wise but also for eternity. He had met the Messiah. Those small steps of faith turned into great strides! Do we do that?

Sometimes we need to simply take the next step in obedience. We may not see the staircase, but we can take the step. If we don’t, we may never know the joy of what comes next. Martin Luther, the great reformer, was once asked to describe the nature of true worship. He answered, “the tenth leper turning back.” Our worship must be a lifestyle of loving Jesus more than we love ourselves, getting our way, or having our heart’s desire. When we want to do it “our way” we need to put that on our cross (Luke 9:23), and do life HIS way.

Can you imagine the electric atmosphere of joy when the lepers saw their bodies being healed? Then one says, “I’m going back.” Do you think he tried to influence the others to return with him? Probably! But they didn’t go. They were cured, but not “whole.”  Jesus asked him, “Where are the other nine?” We must remember we have a responsibility to bring others to Jesus. That is what He told us in Matt. 28:19, but we cannot force their decision.

Do you know what happens when you give thanks to God? Psalm 50:23 says “Giving thanks is a sacrifice that honors Me!” When you develop an attitude of gratitude, it increases your metabolism, your work performance, your overall well-being, your energy, and helps you sleep better. This week, make a list of one hundred things you are thankful for and present them in worship to your Lord and Savior. Jesus was there for those ten lepers—and He is here for you as well. Just fall at His feet and worship Him today, with a thankful heart! Our “Hope” has a Name—the Name of Jesus!

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