Jesus Walked in Melioration (IV)

Jesus’ walk in melioration was one of forgiveness.   Besides perfectly practicing forgiveness, He perfectly taught forgiveness.  We have been using the text of Luke 17 to examine the:

• Process of forgiveness
• Practice of forgiveness
• Power of forgiveness

This final installment will look at the PLACE OF FORGIVENESS.

Amazingly, the place of forgiveness is within a group of the unforgiving.    Like the band of lepers, all are stricken with the disease of unforgiveness.  All struggle with being forgiving people.  All scream at the Son of God to have mercy on their vengeful nature.  Thus, the first thing we notice about the place of forgiveness is that it ironically takes place within a group void of forgiveness skills.

But by obeying the words of the Great Healer the colony of the corrupt can become the congregation of the cured!   When even the most unforgiving spirits begin to walk in obedience healing begins.  The band of ten notice that “as they were going” they were healed.  That’s the way forgiveness become reality: in the place of obedience.  Through obedience the unforgiveness is shed and forgiveness shines.  When we find an obedient example within the band of blamers we should seek them out, follow them,  hang with them, and imitate them.

There is one other significant place to consider.  Within the diseased group of ten, one found his way back to the feet of Jesus.  While bowing there in this place of complete and humble obedience he heard Jesus say, “your faith has made you well.”  What did Jesus mean?  The man had already been cured.  Jesus himself refers to the fact that all ten were healed.   Besides an expression of gratitude and thankfulness, what makes this Samaritan man different.  Let me suggest that while his disease was cured, it was his place at Jesus’ feet that made him complete and whole.   Why?  Because his faith was fully expressed and humbly revealed at the feet of Jesus.  And it is at the feet of Jesus where his wholeness becomes complete! 

(Click on the play button below to begin this study)