Are You One of the Nine, or Are You the One?

Cameron Norfleet
Nov 23, 2025
3 min read

Date: November 23, 2025

Messenger: Pastor Antonio Thompson

Message Title: Are You One of the Nine or Are You the One?

Key Scriptures: Luke 17:11–19; Lamentations 3:22–23; Leviticus 13–14; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Message Overview

Pastor Thompson ministered from the story of the ten lepers, highlighting the difference between those who received God’s blessing and the one who returned with gratitude. The message emphasized obedience, thanksgiving, and the transforming power of worship that moves us from distance to intimacy with God. We were reminded that faith often requires movement before manifestation, and that true wholeness comes from returning to Jesus—not just receiving from Him. In a culture comfortable with provision but often disconnected from presence, God is looking for people who will be “the one.”

Key Points

Jesus Meets Us in Our Distance

Scripture: Luke 17:12

The ten lepers stood “afar off,” yet Jesus still saw them and moved toward them. Physical distance did not hinder His compassion, and spiritual or emotional distance doesn’t either.

Takeaway: You are never invisible to God—He sees you even when you feel far away.

Modern-Day “Leprosy” Still Exists

Scripture: Leviticus 13–14

Pastor taught that many in the church today feel like modern lepers—isolated, judged, or unworthy. These wounds may not be visible, but they are real.

Takeaway: The church must make room for the wounded, not just the polished.

Desperation Gets God’s Attention

Scripture: Luke 17:13

The lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Their cry was raw, unrehearsed, and sincere—and it moved Jesus.

Takeaway: God responds to honest, humble cries for mercy.

Mercy Is God’s Daily Gift

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22–23

Pastor reminded us that we survive only because of God’s mercy—new every single morning.

Takeaway: Every blessing in your life has mercy behind it.

Obedience Precedes the Miracle

Scripture: Luke 17:14

Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests while they were still unclean. Their healing came “as they went”—not before.

Takeaway: No movement, no miracle. Faith walks before it sees results.

Gratitude Separates the “One” From the “Nine”

Scripture: Luke 17:15–16

Only one returned to give glory to God—and he was the least expected, a Samaritan. Gratitude requires recognition and intentional returning.

Takeaway: Blessings are incomplete when we don’t return to thank the One who gave them.

Many Receive, but Only a Few Return

Scripture: Luke 17:17

Pastor taught that our culture has grown comfortable with God’s provision but casual about His presence.

Takeaway: Don’t just be a receiver—be a returner.

Wholeness Is Greater Than Healing

Scripture: Luke 17:19

All ten were cleansed, but only one was made whole. Wholeness restores what life has taken—inside and out.

Takeaway: Healing touches your condition, but wholeness touches your entire life.

Scripture References

(All scriptures quoted or referenced in the message)

Luke 17:11–19
Lamentations 3:22–23
Leviticus 13–14
2 Corinthians 5:7
Job 14:1 (implied reference)
Various narrative references to Abraham, Joshua, Naaman, and the man with the withered hand

Notable Quotes

“No movement, no miracle—faith walks before it works.”
“Some people are comfortable with God’s provision but distant from His presence.”
“You are never invisible to God—He sees your wounds and your worth.”
“Don’t just be a receiver; be a returner.”
“Healing makes you clean, but returning makes you whole.”
“Your miracle is in your obedience—even when it doesn’t make sense.”

Reflection & Discussion

In what areas of your life do you feel “afar off,” and how is Jesus inviting you closer?
What does obedience look like for you right now—what step is God asking you to take “as you go”?
How can you practice returning to God in thanksgiving this week instead of only coming to Him in crisis?
Which blessings have you received but not yet thanked God for?
What is the difference between being healed and being made whole in your own walk with God?
How can our church family become a place where the wounded feel seen, welcomed, and embraced?