Thursday, November 20, 2008

Preparing for Sunday Nov. 23rd


This Sunday, we will spend some time with the lectionary passage for Thanksgiving Day. Let’s hear this story of Jesus’ healing of ten lepers.

11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19 NRSV)


What a wonderfully appropriate story as we approach Thanksgiving. Here we have the story of 10 who were healed by Jesus and one outsider who was made whole because of his attitude of gratitude.

• What do you think the lepers expected when they called to Jesus for mercy?
• The other 9 lepers did exactly what Jesus commanded them to do. In fact, there healing comes as the result of their obedience as they are healed as they follow Jesus’ instructions to go and show themselves to the priest.
o Why do you think that Jesus criticized them?
o Is it possible to be obedient but not whole/saved?
• All ten lepers had faith. What was the difference between the faith of the Samaritan leper and the other 9?
• In verse 10, Jesus tells the Samaritan that his faith has made him well. The word translated well (sozo) can also be translated healed/saved/made whole.
o It what ways have you been made whole by your encounter with Jesus?
o How have you expressed your thanksgiving for that gift?
o Why is it so easy to forget to thank God for our blessings?
See you on Sunday!

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