The One Who Returned
Luke 17:11-19
Pastor Jerry Koller

Jews typically had no dealings with Samaritans. In fact, the Jews despised the Samaritans.
· They were half-breeds: half Jew and half Gentile.
· Because of their intermarriage and compromise, the Samaritans were hated by their fellow Jews.

· Throughout the ages leprosy has been one of the most dreaded diseases and its victims the most shunned.
· To protect the community, physically and spiritually, those with leprosy were forced to live outside the cities and villages in isolation.

As debilitating as it may be physically, lepers were also outcasts socially and religiously.
· Socially they were considered living under a divine curse.
· Religiously, they were ritually unclean, whether they were Jews or Samaritans.

Only one of them came back when he noticed his healing and he came back ...praising God in a loud voice.

The text literally says “he fell on his face at the feet of Jesus.”

Then Luke adds an interesting little side note to the event—"and he was a Samaritan." (vs. 16)

The phrase “made you well” comes from a word that is translated preserved, recovered, restored, cured, and a few other ways.
· It is found 108 times in the New Testament.
· Out of those 108 times it is found, 88 times it is translated save, saved, saves, or saving.

It is the same word used by the Apostle Paul when he said,

Remembering the Past: Sin does not take into account whether one is a Jew, a Samaritan, or a Gentile, whether one is rich or poor—black or white—male or female.
· All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Recognition of Mercy—Remember where mercy comes fromjust like the one man in our text recognized where his mercy came from.
· No one comes to the Father apart from Jesus.
· Spiritual healing is a gift from God. It is not earned or deserved.

Verbalization—We should be praising God for the mercy we have received.
· We should be thankful beyond measure for the gift of salvation.

Humility—We are to remain humble for it is easier to praise and give thanks when we are humble.

“Don’t be too big for your britches.”

Submission—Because we are kingdom citizen, we must be submissive to our King.

Live In Thanksgiving—We are to live out our faith in a spirit of thanksgiving and worship.
· Words followed by actions are so important.

· Marge Parmenter is recovering from an infection.
· Scott Newton (Roberta Newton's son) is recovering from a bacterial infection and homebound.
· Kendra Newton (Roberta Newton's granddaughter) is recovering from back surgery in Florida.
· Vincent Bryant (son of Miriam Bryant) is recovering from surgery.
· Butch & Gail Sternum (friends of Roberta Newton) - Gail is recovering from hip surgery and fell and broke her ankle. Butch is in need of a liver transplant, but refuses to have one.
· James & Melissa Kirby (nephew of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) who recently bought a new house and are having plumbing and a/c issues. Please pray that their issues can be easily resolved.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. She has begun a treatment regimen that looks promising. Please pray that it is effective and that she will be feeling better soon.
· The Marshall Family: Continue to pray for Nolan who is still struggling.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com