And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Luke 17:11-19 (KJV)
In Luke 17:11-19, we encounter a profound narrative that underscores the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. This passage recounts the story of ten lepers who receive healing from Jesus, yet only one returns to offer thanks. This singular act of thankfulness from the Samaritan leper, an outsider, provides a stark contrast to the ingratitude shown by the other nine.
The journey of the ten lepers begins with a plea for mercy, to which Jesus responds with a directive to show themselves to the priests. As they obey, they are cleansed. This miracle, however, is not the focal point of the passage. Instead, the spotlight shines on the aftermath—on the one leper who, upon realizing his healing, returns to Jesus with a heart overflowing with gratitude. His actions stand as a testament to the recognition of God’s grace in his life.
The ingratitude of the nine should serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the ease with which we can take God’s blessings for granted. In their haste to return to normalcy, they forget the source of their blessing. The Samaritan leper’s return to Jesus is a powerful illustration of the proper response to divine intervention: a return to the presence of God to give thanks.
The conclusion we draw from this passage is clear: thankfulness is not merely a polite response to kindness; it is an essential component of a faithful life. It is a recognition of our dependence on God and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. The act of giving thanks draws us closer to God, fostering a deeper appreciation for His work in our lives.
Heavenly Father, I come before You with heart full of gratitude, just as the Samaritan leper returned to give thanks for his healing, I too offer praise for the countless blessings You bestow upon me, teach me to always recognize Your hand in my life and to respond with a spirit of thankfulness, may my gratitude be a constant reminder of Your unfailing love and grace, in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.”
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