Gratitude and Faith

A Story of Obedience, Healing, Gratitude, and Praise!

Luke 17 is a chapter filled with profound teachings and narratives. In just 37 verses, it explores major themes such as:

• Jesus’ warning about offenses
• Faith and duty
• The healing of ten lepers
• The coming of the Kingdom

Encouraging Verse: Luke 17:15

• AMPC: “Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice.”
• MSG: “One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God.”

The Context

The chapter begins with Jesus warning His disciples not to become instruments of offense. He explains that offenses will come as part of life, but believers must ensure they are not the ones causing them. He also emphasizes the necessity of continuously forgiving those who repent, no matter how many times they fail.

When the disciples asked Him to increase their faith, Jesus taught them about having faith as small as a mustard seed and the importance of obedience in service.

As Jesus and His disciples traveled through Samaria and Galilee, they encountered ten lepers who cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus instructed them to go and show themselves to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed. This moment leads us to today’s encouraging verse! 😊

My Thoughts

I love this story because it emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving. Here are a few key observations:

1. Jesus in Samaria
   Once again, Jesus traveled through Samaria, much like in John 4:4, where it was “necessary” for Him to go through this region. Samaria was typically avoided by Jews due to hostility between Jews and Samaritans. The Samaritan woman at the well highlighted this when she said to Jesus, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?—For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans” (John 4:9).Just as Jesus intentionally met the Samaritan woman, it seems He had a purpose for this journey too—perhaps to meet these ten lepers.
2. The Leper’s Recognition of Jesus
   The lepers knew exactly who Jesus was! They called Him by name and addressed Him as “Master.” The Greek word epistates denotes someone in authority, a chief, or a commander. This term conveys respect and acknowledgment of Jesus’ higher status and power.
3. Healing through Obedience
   The healing occurred “as they went.” Jesus instructed them to follow the law in Leviticus 14:1-4, which outlines the process for a leprous person’s cleansing. Their healing was not through the laying on of hands but through obedience to His command.
4. The Grateful Leper’s Response
   One leper showcased the appropriate response to Jesus’ work:
   • He acknowledged Jesus as Master.
   • He obeyed the instruction.
   • He recognized the miracle.
   • He returned to give thanks.
   • He praised Jesus loudly and worshiped Him, giving glory to God.
   Interestingly, this grateful man was a Samaritan. Like the centurion of great faith, another outsider impressed Jesus.
5. Well vs. Healed
   While all ten were healed, only the Samaritan was made “well.” The Greek word sesōken (root: sōzō) in Luke 17:19 means “to save,” “to heal,” or “to make whole.” It suggests holistic restoration—body, soul, and spirit. The others experienced physical healing, but the Samaritan received complete wholeness.

So how can we practically apply the lessons we learnt from this powerful encounter with Jesus?

Practical Application

• Cry Out to Jesus: Don’t miss your opportunity to call on Him. Jesus is omnipresent and always accessible. However, there are moments of His manifest presence where we must seize the opportunity to cry out for mercy.
• Address Him with Reverence: Jesus is Master, Lord, and Ruler. How you address Him reflects your recognition of His authority.
• Respect Precedes Reception: We cannot receive from what we do not respect or acknowledge.
• Fulfill Your Role: Many blessings and promises come with conditions. Just as the lepers were responsible for presenting themselves to the priest, we must play our part.
• Praise Him Loudly: Don’t be timid in giving Jesus the loud and triumphant praise He deserves. Like the leper’s shabach praise, we are called to worship exuberantly as in Psalm 117:1: “O praise (shabach) the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.”
• Gratitude Matters: Let us not disappoint Jesus with a lack of faith or gratitude.

Your Turn 😊

What are your thoughts on Luke 17:15?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?

Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!

Until tomorrow—Peace & Love,
Coach D