This Sunday's passage was a reminder to have a grateful heart. The Bible often uses leprosy as a picture of sin in our lives. Only Christ alone can heal us.
When Jesus healed the leper in the Luke 5 passage, He reached out to touch the untouchable. In the Luke 17 passage, he traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee - going where other Jews would avoid. And, the indication that he was on His way to Jerusalem is a reminder that this was His last time going to Jerusalem, right before the crucifixion. When he told the lepers to go show themselves to the priest, it required faith, for only a healed leper would go to the priest. So, if we want to move mountains, we have to MOVE - faith and works go hand-in-hand. (NOTE: Leviticus 14 gives six steps of Levitical process to be declared cured of leprosy - and each actually relates to how Jesus cleanses from sin)
Also, the difference in the way Christ healed in Luke chp 5 versus chp17 displays that God doesn't do the same thing all the time, and can work in different ways- for He knows which way is best for us. But, the main point of the passage is that we shouldn't only be thankful for the things in our lives or even the good things that happen; but to especially be grateful to the ONE Who gives and does them.
It was interesting that during the sermon, I did ask myself why I sometimes feel like a leper - someone going through a sentence of separation and isolation? I just have to remember that Jesus' healing touch is the best and is the one to be most valued above all.
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