Thank You Jesus!

by Dennis Ammons
(St. Charles, Illinois)

Text- Luke 17:11-19

Introduction: Psalm 100:4, Psalm 107:22; Colossians 3:15; I Thessalonians 5:18.

We live in a time characterized by pervasive unthankfulness (II Timothy 3;2). Let us demonstrate to God, family, neighbors and our culture that God is to be glorified by our personal and consistent thanksgiving to Him. When we are thankful you are admitting God's sovereignty over your life.

Interrogative: Do you practice thanksgiving to God for all things whether good or bad? Do you understand that thanking God from your heart is actually the same as glorifying God?

Ten men afflicted with leprosy encountered Jesus one day in their life and were forever changed. In this encounter Jesus teaches us the importance of glorifying God personally. Read Luke 17:11-19.

I. The setting for healing - vs.11-12

1. Samaria and Galilee - vs.11


2. Ten men bound together by death and hopelessness
   
   1.Outside village
   
   2.Separated by at least 100 paces


3. Their ability - vs.13a
   
   1.None - hopeless of a cure
   
   2.Their voice


4. Their hope for mercy - 13
   
   1.Jesus
   
   2.Master(one who stands over)
   
   3.All they asked for was mercy
   
   4.They were considered legally dead

II. Jesus reacts - vs.14

1. He saw them - nothing escapes Him (He sees you and identifies your problems


2. He considers them- as He will you


3. He gives a puzzling command
   
   1.Go show yourselves to the priest(note Lev.14:2-8)
   
   2.They are not healed yet-command presupposes
   healing
   
   3.They have to respond in their thinking and act

III. Their reaction - vs.14

1. Listened


2. Obeyed in mind then heart


3. Acted - they took first step to obey Him


4. Realized they were healed

IV. The healing considered

1. Came by obedience - not touch


2. Came at a distance


3. Came by His grace and mercy and power

V. Thanksgiving - vs.15-16

1. Glorified God - loud voice


2. Knew His healer - came back


3. His posture - vs.16 - ultimate position of worship - respect and submission


4. He is a Samaritan

VI. Jesus' response

1. His question - vs.17


2. To give glory to God is to:
   
   1.Give honor,respect,dignity and praise
   
   2.To whom - God - Jesus equates Himself with God
   
   3.Jesus calls him a stranger - note(word not used anywhere else in NT. It appears in temple inscription forbidding foreigners to enter.) "He could not go to the Priest"


3. He equates thanksgiving in vs 16 to the giving of glory to God in vs. 18.


4. Jesus' commands - vs.19
   
   1.Arise
   
   2.Go
   
   3.Go his way


5. Jesus explains what has happened- faith made him whole. He believed Jesus.

Conclusion: Giving thanks to Jesus is giving thanks to God and it is equivalent to glorifying God. At your table this Thanksgiving give believing thanks to God but then let thankfulness be always a part of your daily thinking and life.

I Thessalonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.