Kindness-Gratitude Connection “Jesus’ Example of Simple Kindness” (Billy Russell, 11/10/19)

Kindness-Gratitude Connection

                    “Jesus’ Example of Simple Kindness”

                                      (Lk.17:11-19)

 

Jesus is kind by invitation (vv.11-13)-

     Jesus sees and hears a need. Lepers holler for mercy!

     Jesus acts to alleviate the need.

     Jesus practices a simple kindness: “Go, show...” (v.12).

     Jesus serves these men by directing them down a faith-

          path: “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (v.12).

 

Jesus is intentionally kind (v.14)-

     Jesus always does what God wants (Jn.5:19; 6:38).

     Faith is trust in action: “as they went they were cleansed.”

     The ten were faith-walkers. They’d never walked this way!

 

Jesus is inclusively kind (vv.15-18)-

     Jesus is kind to the grateful 10% (the one)- “foreigner”

     Jesus is kind to the ungrateful 90% (the nine)- Jews?

     Jesus is 100% not defined by reaction/response of the ten.

     Jesus drops a 3-question pop-quiz (vv.17-18)-

        10 cleansed? 9 missing ingrates? Just this 1 foreigner?

     Jesus is kind across theo-social-ethnic barriers.

   

Jesus shows the Father’s kindness (obs from story)

     Jesus shows us that kindness is love in action (mercy).

     Jesus shows us kindness is based on what is needed in

           the moment, not what is deserved nor earned.

     Jesus teaches a connection between kindness, gratitude,

          and praise for God’s mercy (worship).

     Jesus affirms faith taking hold of the kindness of God.

          “Rise and go; your faith has made you well” (v.19).

 

“Water always wins” (Niagara Park Ranger)

 

3 most important things in life: “Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.”

                                                 (- An uncle to his nephew)