Sola Scripture: The Why, How, and So What of Jesus' Journey

Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19 ESV) Making connections today is hard work. While the world grows smaller and smaller and closer and closer together through the use of technology, the divides have become more and more apparent. Today at International Lutheran Church we hear Jesus’ unanswered question and we are reminded of God’s mercy for us all.

The critical part of any trip is the destination. It is the only way you know you have arrived if you know where you are going. Even before you get there, you need to know what the goal is. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, the good doctor tells us where Jesus is headed, and at the same time he reveals the purpose and reason for the journey. Jesus is going to Jerusalem. He is going to the cross, but even before we get there Jesus is revealing the why and the how and the so what of this most important trip. There are no accidents or side excursions along the way. Each moment is important to that last and final act so that we can know just why, how, and so what of Jesus’ journey.

The ten men that we often read about at Thanksgiving time show us the why in their plea to Jesus. “Jesus, Master! Have mercy on us!” Their loud voice, their one voice declares the only “why” that matters – God’s mercy. Not only do they live on the border of society, cursed by their own flesh to live a life of loneliness, but they are separated from God. Their illness makes them unclean and unfit and unholy to approach a Holy and altogether perfect God. They are cut-off from even the stranger that crosses their path and are required to announce their uncleanness so that all can avoid them. This is why Jesus has come – to show and be God’s mercy in the flesh. He comes crossing borders and walking in empty places to seek out and find all those trapped in their loneliness. Why was Jesus going to Jerusalem? He was going there to show us all God’s mercy.

Just as their loud voices declared the why of Jesus’ journey, Jesus’ command reveals the how of God’s mercy. “Go! Show yourselves to the priests!” Jesus’ command cleanses and purifies. His voice heals and makes them new. Their desperate and deplorable state is met with His altogether glorious tone. Even as the Word of God brought forth the light of creation – so, too, His power to save is unveiled in the Word made flesh. Their own flesh is made whole in His command, liberally and completely. At His cry the Word of God cleanses all and makes us whole. His pronouncement is what delivers the promise fulfilled even in their hearing. Just as in Baptism and the Holy Supper it is God’s Word delivering for us the very thing it promises – the complete and generous forgiveness of our sins. This is also the definitive reason for the Reformation – that we would live once again by the Word of God Alone – Sola Scriptura.

Jesus’ unanswered question and ultimate benediction to the Samaritan who came back reminds us again of the fundamental so what of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. He is going there to show us God’s mercy, to save us, and to reunite us with Himself in worship and praise. God’s Word, His promises made manifest in Jesus’ body and blood, create the faith that clings to Jesus. Did you see how the Samaritan returned? He came back praising and worshiping Jesus! Full of faith, he clung to the feet of Him who is God’s mercy. In faith, this unnamed Samaritan was saved just like Ruth, Paul, Timothy, you, and me! This is our life now in Jesus, an endless chorus of thanksgiving for what God has done for us and all so that all can know His mercy and hear His command. This is our never-ending song of thanks.

Pastor Carl