Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 13-18)ਨਮੂਨਾ

Healing the Lepers

Ready: Luke 17:11–19

Set:

Contracting the disease of leprosy was one of the worst things that could happen to you during the days of Jesus. It brought great physical suffering, as well as total banishment and isolation—making the afflicted outcasts from society. Earning a living was impossible; starvation was probable. At that time, leprosy was almost surely a death sentence.

One day, Jesus was traveling on His way to Jerusalem, and ten lepers were standing on the roadside, at a distance. They began to yell for Jesus to have mercy on them. Jesus saw them and told them to “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:14). Only the priest could declare if they were truly healed from leprosy and, as a result, would be allowed to integrate back into society. Verse 14 says, “And while they were going, they were cleansed.” Notice that they were not healed standing on the road. They were healed when they obeyed and did what Jesus told them to do.

One of the lepers, seeing that he was healed, came back and fell facedown at the feet of Jesus, praising and thanking Him for all that He had done. Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17). No one else had come to give thanks. Jesus told the leper to go his way and that his faith had saved him. Notice the difference in actions here. This leper was healed and saved. Obeying Jesus healed him, but his faith saved him. God wants our gratitude. He deserves all our gratitude. He has given us everything.

Go:

1. Who are the “lepers” or outcasts of our day? How do they get treated? Why?
2. Why do you think only one of the lepers went back to Jesus and thanked Him?
3. Why is it important to be thankful for people who help you? Why do we forget to be thankful? How can you show thankfulness to your teammates, coach, parents, and officials?

Workout:

Philippians 4:11-12; Psalm 107:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Overtime:

“Thank You! Lord, You are the giver of every good gift, and You have gifted me. Thank You! I pray for a heart of gratitude; that my eyes would see all that You have given me, and I would acknowledge You in that. Thank you for the people in my life who help me steward the gifts You have given me. In Jesus’s name, amen.”