A faithful response to Jesus includes recognition, obedience, praise, thankfulness and faith.

Luke 17:11-19 

¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’

¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ ¹⁹ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’

In one of the ten sick men, we see a faithful response to Jesus.

This sick man RECOGNISES who Jesus is, calling him “Master”. He realises that Jesus is someone to ask mercy of, because of his authority as master. We read in Philippians 2:9 that… “God exalted [Jesus] to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…”.

This sick man OBEYS Jesus’ command to go to the priests. After recognising Jesus’ authority, he then obeys the one with authority.

Once realising he is healed, this (once) sick man PRAISES God. He knows only God has the power to heal his skin disease, so he honours God.

This once sick man also THANKS Jesus. Even though Jesus didn’t touch him or give a specific command about his health, he knows God worked through Jesus to bring about his healing.

Lastly, Jesus identifies FAITH as the catalyst for the healing – or salvation (a different option for that word, according to a footnote). The man who was once sick trusted Jesus.

When we recognise Jesus as Master, we place our faith in His saving work on the cross, praising and thanking Him, and obeying His Word!

Head: Do you recognise Jesus as ‘Master’ over your life? What things other than Jesus control the way you think?

Heart: How can you praise God for who He is? How can you thank Jesus for what he’s done?

Hands: How are you going at obeying God’s Word? Which of Jesus’ commands do you find hard to live out?

Prayer: Heavenly Master, You are above all. You’ve given all authority in heaven and on earth to Jesus. We praise You for the way You are good and loving compassionate. Thank You for Jesus’ death on the cross for me. May You help me to trust and obey You. In Jesus’ Name, and by the power of Your Spirit, Amen.

A song to listen to:  The Man Who Calmed the Sea  Stuart Townend

Reuben Birchley

Living Church – Creek Road