“WHERE ARE THE NINE?”

Luke 17:11-19

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Luke 17:11-1911 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

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Introduction

Thankfulness often lacking Mother gives little boy a cookie

She asks, “What do you say?”○ He replies, “Can I have two?”○ The Mother expected him to say, “Thank you”

Are we like the little boy?We don’t give thinks?We just want more!

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Introduction

This account begins with Mercy It ends with Ingratitude Contains some important lessons Can be divided into several parts

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Part 1 - The Predicament 10 had dreaded disease of Leprosy

Placed in isolation○ Leviticus 13:46; 2 Chronicles 26:20-21

Priest required to confirm clean before reentering society - vs. 14○ Leviticus 14:1-9

A worse disease is SinA universal problem - Romans 3:10, 21-23Separates man from God, His people & Hope

○ Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-6, 12-13; Revelation 21:27Must be verified clean by the great High Priest

○ Revelation 1:5-6; 7:14; Romans 6:4-55

Part 2 - The Plea The 10 plead for mercy - vs. 13

Unable to heal themselvesNo man could heal them

Other pleas for mercy in the N.T.Luke 18:13; 35-43Luke 16:24

Sinners need the blood & mercy of ChristUnable to save themselves - John 6:60-71No man can save them - John 14:6“what shall we do” - Acts 2:38

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Part 3 - The Purification The nature of the purification of the Ten

It was Divine - by the Son of GodIt was by grace & mercy of God - vs. 13It was by faith in Christ - vs. 19It was conditional - vs. 14

The nature of purification from sinIt is Divine - Acts 4:12It is by grace & mercy of God - Titus 3:2-7It is by faith in Christ - John 8:24; Ephesians 2:8-9It is conditional - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 10:34-35

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Part 4 - The Problem

Only one returned to give thanks!This is the problem with many!

○ Maybe a lack of thoughtfulness & gratitude○ Maybe a sign of depravity - Romans 1:21

How often do you fail to give thanks & show gratitude?○ To the Lord?○ To a brother or sister, mate, family member, etc.?○ To a stranger?

How often do we demand more?

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Part 5 - The Principle

Be thankful & grateful!Psalms 100:4-5, 116:17-19; Colossians 3:15

This is NOT an option! We MUST praise God…

For his abundant blessings - Ephesians 1:3For His abundant grace & mercy - 1 Peter 1:3For the gift of Jesus His Son - 1 Timothy 1:14For the promised hope - Colossians 1:5

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Concluding Question

Jesus asked - “Where are the nine?” A question for you…

Are You One of the Nine?

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