The Ten Lepers (Lu. 17:11-19) (Part 3)

THE ONE LEPER WENT DOUBLE DISTANCE.

• THE FIRST DISTANCE? He started walking toward the home of the nearest priest.“Go and show yourself to the priests.” (v. 14)
• Being a Samaritan, he would've gone into the territory of Samaria while the nine Jewish lepers went into Galilee.
• He walked away from Jesus, obeying what He said.  “And as they were going, they were cleansed.” (v. 14)
• How far did they get before realizing the leprosy disappeared?
• THE SECOND DISTANCE? He retraced the steps he just walked and went back to Jesus.
• In other words, this leper walked the same ground twice.
• He went double the distance.
• Today we would say he “went the extra mile.”
• Instead of walking away from Jesus, he turned around and began walking toward Jesus.
• Prior to this u-turn, something happened in the Samaritan's heart.
• He absolutely must go back to Jesus! “...turned back...” (v. 15).
• He didn't turn around and only think about it. He walked back.
• Have you ever wondered why some Jesus followers seem more blessed than others?
• It could be due to a difference in effort.
• Ten lepers made an initial effort to obey Jesus.  They walked toward the nearest city where priests lived.
• One leper made the extra effort to worship Jesus.  “...glorifying God with a loud voice...” (v. 15).
• The Samaritan walked the second distance alone.
• If you want to get a blessing from Jesus, you will be in the company of many.
• If you want to give a blessing to Jesus – we call that worship – you will be in the company of few.
• Many will lift their voices to get mercy, but few will lift their voices to give thanks.
• Pursuing Jesus is always worth the effort!