Scripture
Luke 17:11-19
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Spend some time in worship.
Observation
It was common practice for those who had leprosy to gather together. They were not allowed, by either law nor custom, to draw near to any other person as can be seen from Luke’s account that they stood at a distance from Jesus. People were very afraid of being infected themselves if they came into close contact with those already sick.
This group was drawn together by their illness rather than any social or national bond. Leprosy had broken down all the racial and national differences for the group consisted of both Jews and Samaritans who would not usually have associated with one another. Together they called out to Jesus for help. And He reached out to all of them.
Jesus’ command meant they had to take a step of faith to follow. These men were still lepers, yet each one of them set off to show themselves to the priests, and as they went they were healed. Nine continued their journey to see the priests. Only one returned – and he was a Samaritan – ‘a foreigner’. He was not quiet or shy about expressing his thanks. Luke tells us he glorified and praised God with a loud voice. This man was not only prepared to go through the external legal requirements for declaring his healing. His gratitude was a matter of the heart. He was truly grateful and expressed his praise in a way everyone could hear.
Jesus was amazed that only one of the original ten had returned. He knew the value of praise and remarked on its absence in the case of the nine who did not return. Jesus knew exactly how many had been blessed by His healing gift. Whilst the others were healed physically the one who returned received an extra blessing.
Icebreaker:
What is happening in your life at the moment for which you are most grateful? How have you expressed your gratitude – to God and to those who are involved in this blessing? If you have not yet done so, how can you do so?
Application
- Think of a time when life was hard for you. What, during that time, can you be grateful for as you look back on it? How does such gratitude help you as you remember that event now?
- Read John 10:10. What, if anything, do you think prevents you from living such a blessed life at this point in time? Where do you need healing of any sort?
- How detailed are your prayers to God when you need help or healing? Do your prayers declare your absolute faith in God’s love, goodness and care? Or do you feel you do not want to ‘nag’ God as you detail your needs? In the light of this passage have your thoughts about such prayers changed/not changed? Why?
- How do you respond when God gives you an instruction? Do you follow it immediately or do you hesitate to make sure you have heard correctly? What happens if following such an instruction raises other questions/concerns? Does that affect your response? What does this say about your trust in God?
- How can other people’s beliefs, opinions, attitudes prevent you from following what you believe God is telling you to do? Can they actually outweigh God’s plans for you?
- How do you feel when you express your gratitude to God? Are you aware of His blessing when you do? How does this occur? What happens if you forget to say thank you? Is it ever too late? Why/why not?
- All ten lepers reached out to Jesus with genuine, heart-felt prayer. All ten were healed. Was physical healing all that was required? How do you think the faith of the one who returned added an extra blessing of healing for him? What does his faith say about him?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group. If possible, lay hands on those who have expressed need for healing and pray together for whatever healing God knows needs to take place. . Spend time in prayers of praise and thanksgiving to the God who loves each one of you for the blessings you have in your life at this time.
Service
Keep in touch with one another during the coming week. How have your prayers been answered? Give on-going praise for prayers answered and still to be answered.
Reach out in love to those whom you do not usually take time with this week in some way. What happens?
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