The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:12-19, will help us examine our faith. It is a story about a number of people who had faith in Jesus...

Some had so little faith, they may as well have had none.
Some had much stronger faith but lacked an important element.
One had a complete and living faith --an example to us.

1. The people of the village

Weren't there to meet Jesus, but going about their daily affairs.
Would be aware that Jesus was entering their town.
Variety of opinions about him, some more informed than others.
Some would be "believers" of a sort but no commitment.
Their faith not mentioned because it doesn't count. May as well have had no faith at all. "He who is not with me is against me" (Lke 11:23 see 9:50).

2. Nine of the ten lepers

Came as near as they could to Jesus, being lepers.
Believed that he could cure them.
Acted on what Jesus told them to do.
But their faith not complete --it lacked thankfulness.
They took what they wanted but they too lacked commitment.
Jesus gave them a new life, but they neglected to "return".

3. The one who came back

"Your faith has made you whole" v.19.
But it also made him return to give glory to God v.18.
As a foreigner he did not view the blessing as his right.

(A) The elements of his faith:

1. Believed he could be healed.
2. Came to Jesus and asked to be healed.
3. Did what Jesus told him.
4. Returned to give thanks and glory.

(B) The Analogy

1. His problem, leprosy, is a likeness of the .problem of sin
2. Jesus "carried our diseases" (Isa 53:4 see Mtt 8:16-17) in healings like this leper’s.
3. Jesus bore our sins by his death on the cross (Isa 53:5)

(C) A faith like the one leper had:

1. Believe Jesus can save you.
2. Come to Jesus and ask to be saved.
3. Do what he tells you.
4. Glorify God in your new life.

(D) Who will you be like?

1. The villagers who maybe believed but never acted.
2. The ten lepers who came to Jesus and did what he said.
3. The one whose faith was complete, who not only took, but also returned.

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