Dr. Rob White - January 7, 2024
Twenty Five Cent Faith
Jesus calls us to obedience in little things––and rewards us in big ways.
Scripture References: Luke 17:11-1191
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In a world often captivated by grand gestures, the sermon “Twenty-Five-Cent Faith” reminds us of the profound impact of simple, everyday acts of faith. Grounded in the scripture from Luke 17:11-19, the sermon explores the transformative power of obedience in small things and the remarkable rewards that follow.
The narrative begins with the poignant story of ten lepers who, desperate for healing, approach Jesus, shouting, “Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus, instead of immediately healing them, instructs them to show themselves to the priests. This seemingly simple directive becomes a profound lesson in faith.
Drawing a parallel to the Apollo 11 moon landing, the sermon highlights the concept of a “leap of faith.” Neil Armstrong’s iconic words, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” echo the theme of the sermon. The biblical lepers, akin to the astronauts, were asked to take a significant step before experiencing the miracle of healing.
The sermon emphasizes the often-overlooked act of “seeing” others. In a world where people tend to avert their eyes from suffering, Jesus truly saw the lepers. This act of seeing is a powerful reminder of our call to acknowledge the pain and needs of those around us.
The lepers’ obedience to Jesus’ simple command, “Go and show yourselves to the priests,” becomes the focal point. They embarked on a journey, not yet healed but believing in the promise of healing. Miraculously, “As they went, they were cleansed,” underlining the transformative power of faith in action.
The congregation is encouraged to reflect on the parallels in their lives. In the words of the late preacher Fred Craddock, the sermon challenges the notion of glorious sacrifices and encourages embracing the Christian life in “twenty-five cent” increments. The essence lies not in grand, sporadic acts but in the consistent, ordinary acts of love and kindness that shape our daily lives.
The practical application of faith is underscored through simple yet impactful suggestions: showing kindness to a stranger, dedicating time to prayer and scripture, self-reflection, and extending invitations to others. The message is clear – these small, intentional acts of faith, akin to exchanging a thousand-dollar bill for quarters, reshape our hearts and contribute to a life that reflects the teachings of Christ.
As the sermon concludes, the congregation is reminded that being a blessing to others is a reciprocal blessing. The more we invest in these small acts of faith, the more we are transformed and blessed in return.
In essence, “Twenty-Five-Cent Faith” challenges believers to embrace the everyday opportunities to live out their faith, one small step at a time. It’s a call to see the world with compassionate eyes, to act faithfully in the little things, and to trust that, just like the lepers, our journey of faith will lead to cleansing and transformation.
