“Where Are the Nine?” Luke 17:11-19

Introduction:  Leprosy causes nerve damage and disfiguring skin sores.  Social stigma and isolation.

Five little piggies, “this little piggy went to market…”  Where did the lepers go?

I.        Ten Lepers

A.     (v12) Jesus “was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices.”

1.      “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” –Most of us have been there asking, faith or not.

2.      (v14) “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went they were cleansed.

B.     (v15) “Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God.”

1.      (v17) “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?”

2.      The guy who returned was a Samaritan, a foreigner to Jewish law and practice.

C.     Where were the nine?  Possible excuses include:

1.      On the way to the priests, as Jesus commanded

2.      Applying for jobs

3.      Eating at restaurant

4.      No longer comfortable with people, they hid

5.      Telling others about the miracle

6.      Getting on with life.  God had robbed them of so much already

7.      Drinking their health

8.      Maybe one didn’t realize he had been healed and went away resigned to life as a leper.

II.       Where Did Everyone Go?

A.     Parable of the Sower:  Where did everyone go?

1.      Path

2.      Rocky places

3.      Among thorns

4.      Fertile soil that produced 100x what was sown

5.      Why do so few remain faithful and excited?

B.     Maybe we don’t realize what we have: (1 Peter 1:3-5)”According to his great mercy…”

1.      “He has given us new birth”

2.      “Into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus”

3.      “An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade”

4.      “We, through faith, are shielded by God’s power until the coming of our salvation.”

C.     So why aren’t we more thankful?  Where are the nine?

1.      Excuses: God’s boring; church’s boring; I’m too busy; I’m on to my next concern; I don’t believe in miracles; I prefer my life as is, without the need to change.

2.      (v18) “Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Conclusion:   (v19) “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

What does that mean for the nine who didn’t return?  What might we be missing?