GRADE 9 CRE THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST – HEALING THE TEN LEPERS Notes

Short story (simple)

As Jesus travelled between Samaria and Galilee, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance and called to him for mercy. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. While they went, they were healed. Only one — a Samaritan — came back to thank Jesus and praised God. Jesus said that the man’s faith made him well.

What was happening in the story?

• Leprosy was a serious disease and people with it lived outside towns to avoid spreading disease and to follow the law.
• The ten men trusted Jesus and followed his instruction to go to the priests.
• Only one returned to thank Jesus — showing the importance of gratitude.

Main lessons (for a 14-year-old)

• Faith: The men believed Jesus could heal them and obeyed him.
• Obedience: They went to the priests, showing trust in what Jesus said.
• Gratitude: Saying “thank you” matters — only one returned to show gratitude.
• Inclusion: The grateful man was a Samaritan — Jesus showed kindness to people others rejected.

Kenyan context — what it means for us

In Kenya we value community and helping those who are sick. This story teaches us to:

• Visit and support sick people in hospitals or at home (with permission and safety).
• Respect people who are recovering from disease and help them rejoin the community.
• Give thanks to God and to people who help us — at home, in church, and at school.

Memory verse

"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice." — Luke 17:15 (NIV)

Reflection questions (write short answers)

1. Why do you think the ten men followed Jesus’ instruction even before they saw the healing?
2. Why is it important to thank God and people who help us?
3. How can your family or church help someone who feels left out because of sickness?

Classroom / home activities

• Role-play: Act the story — one plays Jesus, ten play the lepers; discuss feelings of each character.
• Poster: Make a “Thank You” poster for a local health worker or church volunteer.
• Community action: Plan a visit (with adult permission) to a local hospital or health centre to encourage patients.
• Prayer: Create a short prayer of thanks you can say with your class or family.

Simple visual: The ten lepers

The green circle (10) shows the one who returned to say “Thank you.” Always be like number 10!

Key takeaways

• Trust in Jesus and obey his guidance.
• Never forget to give thanks — to God and to people who help you.
• Treat all people with dignity, especially those who have been rejected or are sick.