THANKSGIVING SERMON 11.20.16
Our Gospel tells the story of the story of 10 people who had
lepersey—all who were miraculously healed by Jesus. While this was perhaps one of the greatest
healing miracles of his ministry, but it was an event lost to most. It came and
went like a Thanksgiving turkey supper, because most of those healed never
returned to thank Jesus.
Now, why is that? Why wouldn’t they return to thank Him? Well, this is not scriptural—but I have some
ideas on my own.
1.
The first man did
not return to thank Jesus, because he didn’t think he would fit in with the
disciple crowd. He saw them as too unconventional and pushy about their
faith. So, he kept away from them.
2.
The 2nd healed
man was afraid that Jesus and his associates would ask for money in return for
his healing; so he sneaked away without anyone seeing him.
3.
The 3rd
person was afraid that his friends might see him hanging around the Jesus
crowd, and he was afraid that his friends would ridicule him for being a Jesus
freak. He did not want to draw attention
to himself.
4.
The 4th
person was mad that Jesus had only healed him, and not the world. “Bet you
won’t heal my sister!”she yelled at Jesus.
5.
The 5th
man was mad that Jesus healed him. He
had made all his income by begging. He
liked living off of charity. Now
everyone knew he was healed. He was going to have to go out and get a real job
for the first time in his adult life.
6.
The 6th
woman believed that Jesus had not healed her; rather , she claimed that she had
healed herself with lots of sunshine, exercise, good organic food; and dietary
supplements. Therefore, Jesus deserved none
of the credit.
7.
The 7th
person wanted to go watch a football game, because all the big games were
coming up, and he didn’t want to miss any of them.
8.
The 8th
person didn’t return to give Jesus thanks, because he was too busy with his
job, his family, his finances, and other pressures. Instead of thanking Jesus, he decided to take
a nap.
9.
The 9th
person was so happy, that he went to see Jesus, but stopped at a bar on his
way. After a couple drinks with his friends, he forgot all about Jesus.
Now, none of
this is scriptural—but I will tell you what is: What is scriptural is Jesus’
grave disappointment in not being thanked.
Have you ever noticed the large # of pictures of Jesus—where he is not
smiling? He’s always got a serious of melancholy
look on his face. Why does he look so
sad? Because most people do not really
thank him for all that he gives to us.
Who knows—Jesus could have performed any more miracles in the past, or
even in our time, but if no one gives Jesus the credit, it is as if they had not
occurred. Oh, some people may feel some
since of gratitude in their heart—but
gratitude not expressed doesn’t do any good.
Thanks givng
which touches the heart of God is expressed in public—like the 10th
person in today’s Gospel. This man was a
Samaritan, half breed, whom had faced hundreds of years of racism at the hands
of the Jews. He wasn’t supposed to even be seen in the company of Jews, like
Jesus. But that man shouted out his
gratitude in a loud voice. He wanted one and all to know that He was grateful
to Jesus. And Jesus, on his part, was
greatly moved.
Too many
Christians take Jesus for granted. We receive and receive, but most of the
time...9 out of ten times, we do not express our gratitude in front of someone
or in public. But when we do make an intentional –visible expression of our
gratitude—Jesus is touched. Jesus
smiles, And Jesus multiples and expands the blessings that He gives us…because
He wants others to know just how generous He can be for them.
Grateful
Christians are also known as disciples—who express their gratitude by taking a
stand for Jesus in public. So, if we were to describe what grateful disciples look
like, who like the 10th man who was healed, what might that look
like.
1.
Public gratitude
might look like John Carson. John arrives before anyone at church on Sundays to
plug in the coffee pot. By the time I arrive before the 8 am service, the heat
is on, the lights are one, and John greets me with a “Good morning. Jesus loves you . I know because Jesus loves
me.”
2.
Karendale
Waskiewitz is a smiling greeter for our Grades PreK -3 Sunday School Class on
Sunday mornings. She welcomes them, gives them a hug, and gives them an
original picture for coloring—one that she has drawn herself.
3.
Between the 8:00
& 10:00 am service, there is another group that thanks God through song. As
I am sitting in my office preparing for the 10am service, I hear the choir
rehearse with such commitment and faith, which is so touching. They rehearse prior to each Sunday service, thanking
God in song and smiles, as you come through the door.
4.
You can see other
grateful people in the altar guild, the ushers, the acolytes, the readers, the
Vergers, Greeters, and the Ministers of
Communion. Instead of sitting , they are
so grateful that they serve in the
service.
5.
Other grateful
people demonstrate their gratitude by just showing up. I agree with Woody Allen
that 90% of life is just showing up for worship and to receive communion. This is especially true of our children, who
receive communion with such eager
expectation. On the night Jesus died,
Jesus invited us to receive the bread and wine as the sacrament of his
presence, and in gratitude for his life, death, and resurrection. By
demonstrating your faith in this way, He is touched.
Today, we are going to offer
another opportunity for each of us to publicly express our gratitude to Jesus,
by making an offering of our 2017 pledge cards at the altar. Each year, as we do this—heaven takes notice,
because these pledge cards are an outward and tangible expression that we are
grateful for what Jesus has given us, and we are grateful for what he will give
us in the future.
