Returning to the GospelsSample

The full package

The story we see in Luke 17:11-19 tells us of ten lepers who came to meet Jesus asking for mercy. We see that he, upon hearing them, does not touch them, but orders them to present themselves before the priests in charge of certifying that they were clean and pure.

Jesus did not promise them healing. Following his orders was not an easy option, because it put at stake the already ruined reputation of each of these men. To present themselves before the priests was the legal prescription of the time for those who had already been healed. But they had not yet received their healing!

The lepers had no idea that along the way they would be healed, but as they obeyed, they received their miracle.

Faith in Christ leads you out of the boat; it will never present itself as the easy option. The life of faith sometimes seems unreachable, but in the Gospels we find the complete package for God to do the impossible. There you find the instructions for following in the footsteps of Jesus.

In today's story we can highlight three points:

The gospel demands an response

You cannot have faith in Christ without responding to what he has done. The lepers had to respond with total trust, but that attitude paid off and they went from being "lepers" to being witnesses of God's grace. Our response to the gospel is the first step of faith for God to do what only he can do.

The gospel produces gratitude

Healing immediately awakened a sense of gratitude in only one of the lepers, who was the one who returned when he realized that his miracle had happened. In the midst of the joy produced by God's blessing, let us not forget to live with a grateful heart.

The gospel does a complete work

When the Samaritan returned to thank him, Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has saved you". It is important to note that the Samaritan was not only healed, but also saved.

In the gospel we find healing, but also restoration for our soul. We find acceptance, forgiveness and an eternity with God. That is the full package.

Let's go back to the Gospels to enjoy all that God has prepared for us!

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that in your Word I can find everything that I need. Thank you that in you I find healing, forgiveness, purpose and new strength. Help me to hold fast to the gospel, to have a firm faith in spite of challenges. In Jesus´ name. Amen.