Ten Lepers, One Worshiper
Sermon 72 in Series
Luke 17:11-19
[11] On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. [12] And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance [13] and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” [14] When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. [15] Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; [16] and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. [17] Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” [19] And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How are Jesus’ miracles presented as teaching opportunities in Luke? How does this miracle continue that pattern?
2. How is Luke keeping the cross central as he traces Jesus’ steps? What does it look like for us to keep the cross at the center of our thinking?
3. Why was leprosy such a terrible condition? As with other miracles, how does this healing bring together Jesus’ power and compassion?
4. How does Jesus uphold the Law? How does this relate to what we have recently seen with the Pharisees?
5. How do the nine ungrateful lepers warn us about earthly mindedness and ingratitude? In what ways do we prioritize the gift over the Giver?
6. As Christians, why should our constant attitude be like the leper who returned? What does it look like to daily fight for praise and gratitude?
7. Why is it significant that the returning leper was a Samaritan? How does this reiterate themes we have repeatedly seen in Luke?
References: Psalm 103 (corporate reading); Luke 5:23-24; 9:51; 13:33; 9:31; Leviticus 13-14; Luke 5:12-13; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3; 2 Kings 5:1-14; Ephesians 5:25-27; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Luke 10:30-37; John 1:11-13; Matthew 8:11-12.
