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Mercy for 10, Grace for 1
I recently attended Jesus 101 – CCC’s introductory course to Jesus following faith. During the class, Alan made a point that stood out to me, especially in light of these verses. He proposed a definition equation: Mercy + Gift = Grace.
In the preceding verses, we’re introduced to ten lepers who appealed to Christ for healing. He gave them instructions to present themselves to the priests and showed them mercy in curing their external maladies. They all had faith in the power of Jesus to heal and followed his instructions, but once they received this mercy, nine of them likely got so caught up in themselves and their ability to be ritualistically clean and rejoin society that they neglected to pursue greater relationship with Christ. They failed to show gratitude. This follows in the pattern of Israel – God demonstrating his power and the nation quickly becoming ungrateful. However, there was one man that immediately came to thank Jesus and fell at his feet. Incidentally, the ex-leper was Samaritan.
Then, Jesus gets rhetorical. He knows the answers to these questions. He’s asking them to make a point to those listening. He’s once again declaring that He came to save all who bow before Him – not just the Jews. This man that received external, physical healing is also given internal, spiritual healing. He got the mercy, and he also gets the grace.
We so often turn to God with our needs and then, due to our selfishness and short-sightedness, fail to thank Him when He provides. Thanksgiving and relationship are essential to a whole faith.
Marchant cute introduction of yourself. Is the translation in the next posting? It seems that being thankful is something that is caught not taught. At school I can pass out something (paper, snack, tests) and give two or three out before I recieve a thank-you. But once I do the next person and most of the rest will say thank-you. Imagine a third grader saying thank-you for a test? I have a friend who is overly grateful sickenly sweet. I however would give her anything I can because I know she appricates it. I also walk away more grateful. I want to be like the thankful leper not the selfcentered ones.
We may not speak in tongues, but at least one of us can write in them.
It was faith that healed the man inside and out. Where’s mine? Where’s ours? Luke 18:8.
It’s Friday afternoon and I’m so tired. It’s been a busy and demanding week. I’ve been thinking what I can do this evening to please me. Marchant, you just reminded me that I am all caught up in myself and I should be grateful for all the reasons I’m tired – a job, a home with lots of yard work and walls to paint, good meals that require prep time, and bills that I CAN pay. Lord, I am grateful for all this.
when we stop saying thanks, we start forgetting God…
Even a mother can learn from her son. Thank you for reminding me that when I can only see clouds God has the sunshine behind them. I do thank Him, for you and your sweet wife daily. You both are a blessing I hope that I never take for granted.