BUT WHERE ARE THE NINE?

LUKE 17:11-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

An award winning author wrote a children's book called, "The First Thanksgiving." Here is the description of the book given in a catalog:

Through the extraordinary story of a brave band of pilgrims and a generous ... Indian named Squanto, this superlative book teaches children the true meaning of Thanksgiving isn't turkey with all the trimmings. It's brotherhood and trust... The First Thanksgiving is children's book publishing at its very best.

The 1969 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary says that Thanksgiving was, "...instituted by the Pilgrims to give thanks to God for their survival:"

The Scriptures give us an very interesting account of a somewhat typical event in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He encountered some people who were sick and He healed them at their request. The interesting part comes from the results of the healing... or the lack thereof!

As we look again in God's Word we see firstly, there's:

I. THE QUESTION OF ULTIMATE DEPENDENCE [v. 11-14]

Like it or not we are dependent on others for just about everything. Few of us grow our on food, smelt our own ore, and build our own vehicles! That's just for starters. But ultimately, we are all dependent upon God. We live on His earth [Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.], breathe His air, etc. So what should we do with this realization of Ultimate Dependence?

1. Admit your helplessness [v. 11-12]

2. Appeal to God for help [v. 13]

3. Act of God's Word [v. 14]

But you can do all those things and still not have thankfulness exhibited in your life. Note then, secondly:

II. THE QUALITIES OF GENUINE THANKFULNESS [v. 15-16]

Genuine Thankfulness:

1. Realizes the cause [v. 15a]

2. Recognizes the Benefactor [v. 15b]

3. Vocalizes the blessing [v. 15c]

4. Worships the Saviour [v. 16a]

5. Thanks the Lord [v. 16b]

In this historical record we see than Jesus healed 10 lepers and only 1 demonstrated true thankfulness. This highlights for us our third and final point:

III. THE QUIZZICAL REMARKS OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD [v. 17-19]

1. Jesus notices unthankfulness [v. 17]

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

2 Timothy 3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...

Just as Jesus notices unthankfulness we should observe that:

2. Jesus notices the thankful [v. 18]

3. Jesus commends faith and faithfulness [v. 19]

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.