This sermon explores the concept of gratitude as a crucial element in achieving a fulfilling life, as illustrated in the biblical story of Luke 17:11-19 and the teachings of Romans 1:20-32.
There is a Jesus story in the Bible that ends with a shocking one liner which leaves the reader wondering, what exactly does Jesus mean?
In other versions this verse reads: And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19 ESV) “Stand up and go on your way. You were healed because you believed.” (NCV) “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” (NLT) Upon reading this, we cannot help but wonder: Was the man not healed before? What about the others, weren’t they healed as well?
Or, we may ask questions of this nature: Was the healing not permanent? Did Jesus only offer temporary physical healing? Is Jesus speaking of physical healing or something more?
Or, we may wonder, “Is Jesus implying that healing is not a one-step process?
In order to understand this passage and to what Jesus is inferring, we have to jump back a few verses.
Jesus is shocked when only one out of the ten returned to offer eucharisteo (give thanks for God’s grace). Shocked! He actually wonders aloud why the others would not do the same? The answer is found once again, in our special word. There was only one leper who fully received God’s grace and offered it back with thanksgiving and praise. Only one accepted the free gift – charis - and freely offered back the same.
The Bible is filled with the word charis, eucharista, eucharisteo. Grace, grace and more grace. One leper returned to his Savior to express his gratitude, the other nine offered nothing to their Savior. And in return, the other nine missed out on true healing – salvation.
Only one accepted the free gift – charis - and freely offered back the same.
Thanksgiving is an extension of our belief in Jesus.
What we see here, in this passage, is a replica of other stories and teachings in the Bible ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium
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