An Encounter Of Grateful Faith

Intro. As chapter 17 begins, Jesus tells the disciples that some will be stumbling blocks to others, and we must forgive. Then the disciples make a request. Why? We are not sure. They had a simple request- “Increase our Faith”

Faith - It is not just a belief, IT IS FOUNDATIONAL! It means a conviction of truth! Faith is not an action, but will produce action because of the conviction. For instance, Faith in relating to God - conviction that God exists and is the creator, ruler of all things, and the provider of eternal salvation through Christ. Faith in relating to Christ - a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.

Faith in relating to the Word of God - the conviction that it does not just contain the Word of God, but that it is the Word of God and is the basis for truth, since it is God’s message to man. And so on..... To believe with your head alone, is not faith. Faith will produce action because of the conviction involved. Now in our text, we see where they witness an Encounter of Grateful Faith.

I. The Contamination of Hopelessness - Polluted - vs. 12

A. The Polluted

B. The Pain

1. Physical - hard to move, walk, exist!

2. Emotional - separated from all, especially those they loved.

C. Their Place - Ten Lepers that stood Afar off - The Law demanded it (Lev 13:45-46)

II. The Cry of the Hurting - vs. 13 Before they cried, Jesus was in their area! Just a side note, but many do not cry because we never take Jesus into our area.

A. Their Perception - They did not call him Lord, but Master

The word Master here is only used 7 times in the Bible and means an “overseer”

B. Their Purpose - relief

1. They had either seen or heard of Jesus

2. They knew of the miracles

3. They had faith in what Jesus could do, but not who He is!

C. Their Petition - Have mercy - just that simple.

III. The Command for Healing - vs. 14

A. The Necessary Revelation - Approach the Law - Go to the Priests

The Law said that a cleansed leper had to go and be declared clean. Jesus obeyed the Law. Lev 14:2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:"

1. Though we can’t keep it, it is the basis for morality

2. Though we have all failed, it draws us to our need for Christ! (Galatians 3:24-25) schoolmaster.

B. The New Reform

They acted on what Jesus said, and just like every other promise of God, they found the effect! As they went, their physical bodies were made clean.

1. They were still afar off!

2. They did not return to Christ, for they sought mere restoration to society

3. Just hearing the Gospel has never saved anyone -you must come to Christ

IV. The Coming of the Humble The Proof - vs. 15-18 Not works, but humility

We must humble ourselves before God, or we do not know Him.

A. His Repentance - When facing the Law, He turned back to Christ - vs 15

B. His Recognition - Jesus told them to go to the priests, but this unworthy Samaritan turned to meet the only Priest He ever needed - He drew nigh! No longer afar off - He was at the feet of the High Priest. (Hebrews 4:14)

C. His Reaction - This sensible leper, out of gratitude for mercy, turned around

1. With a Loud voice, Glorified God - vs. 15

2. He fell down on his face - Fell - he was surrendering under conviction!

3. He Fell at His feet - you can have me! He surrendered to the Lord.

4. He gave Thanks

5. He rejected his own way

V. The Comfort of Hope - vs. 19 Not only a physical answer. Went far beyond his physical need.

A. He was Separated - He no longer needed that crowd he ran with!

B. He was Set Free - Arise and go thy way!

C. He was Safe Forever

1. “whole” - Rescued from danger and destruction, safe and sound!

2. He not only received external healing, but INTERNAL!

Concl. Look back at vs. 17-18 - Where are the rest? Now, I have applied this as those that found religion and not a relationship with Christ - but another clear comparison is here! Does God look down at the few that give thanks, and say - “I have many more I have redeemed, where are the rest?" Only 10% are truly grateful.