Where Are The Thankful?

INTRODUCTION: In our text ten lepers are healed but only one returns to give the Lord Jesus the proper thanks for his healing touch upon them. If you figure it out percentage wise, only one out of ten, or 10% came back to thank Christ for what He had done. Lets not be guilty of being part of that 90 % who do not give Him the thanks and glory due His name.

I. THE CONDITION OF THE MEN—12 " lepers"

Leprosy is a type or picture of sin in a person’s life.

A. They Were Defiled. The leper had to cry out, "Unclean, unclean" in the presence of others in order that they might be warned of defilement.

B. They Were Denounced. No one wanted anything to do with a leper.

C. They Were Denied. The leper was not able to take part in public worship due to the fact that he was defiled and might infect others. A person’s sins must be forgiven before he or she can truly worship God.

II. THE CRY OF THE MISERABLE—13

"Jesus, Master have mercy on us."

A. It Was A Desperate Cry (no one else could help them)

B. It Was A Definite Cry (for mercy)

C. It Was A Dependent Cry (He was their only resort for healing)

III. THE COMPASSION OF THE MASTER—14a

A. Little did they realize when Jesus spoke the words of the first part of v.14 that it would result in their healing.

B. Their healing took place as they went, when they were obedient to the Word of God. Jesus touched them! He was moved by their plight and by their faith in Him.

IV. THE CLEANSING OF THE MARKED ONES—14b

"They were cleansed." Only Jesus can make the leper (the sinner) clean

A. Faith had a part in recovery.

B. Following had a part in recovery.

C. Faithful One (Christ) brought about their healing.

V. THE COMING BACK OF THE MADE OVER ONES—15, 16

A. He thanked God immediately!

B. “Samaritan” He represented those who responded to Christ’s message while the nine represented the Jews who rejected.

CONCLUSION: Jesus said in v.17,18, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” Faith had made them whole; however, that faith was anchor in the person of Jesus Christ. May faith express itself in our lives through gratitude and thanksgiving unto God.