The Kingdom Comes With Mercy: Luke 17:11-21

Context:

• Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.
• He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.
• He entered a village and was met by ten lepers.

Luke 17:13 “...lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us...”

What did the lepers want?

• Lepers were required by law to stay away from people.
• Does anyone want to be cut off from “normal” people?
• The lepers asked for mercy.
• Eleeo - unmerited favor.

Why did the lepers need unmerited favor?

• They were unclean, and couldn’t make themselves clean.

Why do all people need the unmerited favor of Jesus?

• All people are unclean, and can’t make themselves clean.

Was interfacing with the lepers on the agenda for the day?

• Not on the apparent agenda.
• Definitely on the opportunity agenda.

Luke 17:14 “...When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed...”

When were the lepers healed?

• As they followed the instructions of Jesus.

When do we receive the unmerited favor of Jesus?

• Every day, all day, all the time?

Is significant focused mercy received as we respond to His words?

Luke 17:17-19 “...Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well...”

What was the difference between the Samaritan and the other nine lepers?

• The Samaritan fell before the Lord in appreciation.
• The Samaritan fully comprehended the mercy that changed his life.
• The Samaritan gave credit where credit was due.
• The Samaritan glorified God with a loud voice.

What did Jesus proclaim about the Samaritan?

• Jesus celebrated the health giving result of a faith connection with God.

Luke 17:20-21 “...Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you...”

What mistakes do religious people make regarding the kingdom of God?

• They want to observe personal signs of its existence.
• They don’t recognize the reality of Jesus, and thus the kingdom, in their midst.
• They forget that God’s kingdom has always existed, will always exist, and is everywhere evident.

How does the kingdom manifest in our midst?

• Not in acts to parade power and authority.
• Not in acts for showmanship.
• The kingdom comes In acts of mercy.

The Kingdom of God:

• We are unclean and can’t make ourselves clean.
• We need mercy, the unmerited favor of God.
• When we ask for mercy, the Lord speaks to us.
• As we respond to His voice, we receive mercy.
• When we receive mercy, we are made clean.
• When we are made clean, we need to glorify God with a loud voice.
• Behold, the kingdom is in our midst.