Jesus heals 10 lepers

1. Lesson: Tell the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers from Luke 17:11-18. You can some pix from here.

• We’ve learnt about leprosy before. What is leprosy? 
  • A dreaded and contagious skin disease that causes disfigurement. Lepers had to leave their family and homes and live outside the city. They can’t go near other people. They have to call out, “Unclean, unclean” every time they come into the city.
• That’s why when the 10 lepers saw Jesus, they stood at a distance from him.
• They called “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” They must have known that Jesus was not an ordinary person. That He cared for people, and He had the power to do something about their situation.

• Interestingly, Jesus didn’t stretch out His hand or pronounce healing on them. He just told them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” The only way for a leper to be able to go back to their homes and families is if they go to a priest and the priest certifies that they are healed and clean.
• Even though their skin was probably still white with leprosy, the 10 lepers went off to see the priest. Normally this would be considered quite silly — Imagine going to the priest when you are still sick! But the Bible calls this FAITH — trusting in Jesus’ words even if you haven’t seen the results yet.
• And as they went, miraculously they were healed! Their skin was not white and rotting anymore! They were whole! Happily they rushed to see the priest. They must have been so eager to be declared “clean”. That means they can now go home and see their wife, their children, their home.
• But one guy didn’t rush off. He saw that he was healed. He was overjoyed. He ran back to Jesus, praising God with a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.
• This leper knew that he didn’t deserve anything. He was a Samaritan, who was hated by the Jewish people. He was probably not “qualified” to be healed. But because of His love and grace, Jesus (a Jew) healed him without any question. That’s the love of God — unconditional and for everyone.
• Jesus asked, “Weren’t there 10 who were healed? Where are the other 9? Why is it only this one man came back to give praise to God?” Then He told the man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
•  Let’s understand how deep and wide and amazing the love of God is for us. When we realize that, then our hearts will be filled with thanksgiving and joy for all that He has done for us!

• Key lesson from this miracle: Jesus heals — He doesn’t care who you are; He just wants to show you God’s power and love.
  •  Let’s know the HEART of Jesus!
    • Then we can call out to Him in our time of need and know that He will help us.
  •  Let’s respond in FAITH!
    • Trust Jesus’ words and promises even when circumstances and facts show otherwise.
  • Let’s respond in THANKSGIVING!
    • We have every blessing in Christ Jesus. Let’s rejoice and be glad in it and thank Him for it every day!

2. Activity Suggestion

• Thanksgiving list & sharing:
  • Have kids sit in small groups; write down or draw what they are thankful to God for. Then let them share with the group/teacher.

3. Ideas for younger children

• Interactive story telling
  • Try teaching this lesson through a dramatic interpretation of Scripture. Have the children actively engaged as you read along.
• Song: “I can be thankful” (to the tune of “I’m a little teapot”)
  • I can be thankful; yes I can
  • For my family; for my friends
  • God has given so much with His Son
  • Thank you Jesus for all You’ve done

• Craft: Paper leper man healed
  • Prepare cut-out gingerbread man shapes. Have kids draw a sad face and white spots on one side and a happy face on the other, with the words, “Thank you Jesus!”