This week, as we look at the story of Jesus healing ten men with leprosy in Luke 17, we can find a lot to learn about thankfulness and its place in our relationship with God. Here, in this simple but profound story, we see both the miraculous power of Jesus and a reminder that gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a way of living out our faith.
Imagine the situation these ten men faced. Leprosy didn’t just cause physical suffering; it isolated them from society. They were cut off from family and friends, living on the outskirts with only each other for companionship. But even in the middle of their struggle, they had heard about Jesus and the miraculous healings He performed. As He passed by, they called out in desperation, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” They didn’t ask for money or food. They wanted healing and the chance to be part of society again. In response, Jesus gave them a simple command: “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they obeyed, they found themselves healed.
But, out of those ten men, only one returned to thank Jesus, and he wasn’t even from the Jewish community—he was a Samaritan. This man’s gratitude set him apart, showing that his healing went deeper than just physical restoration. He fell at Jesus’ feet, praising God with a loud voice. Jesus noticed this and asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” It’s a question that makes us stop and think: How often do we take God’s blessings for granted and forget to pause in gratitude?
This Samaritan man’s story reveals a deeper lesson. Jesus tells him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” While all ten received physical healing, the man who returned in gratitude also experienced a spiritual transformation. His faith, evidenced by his thankfulness, brought him into a closer relationship with Jesus. Gratitude, then, is not just about saying “thank you”; it’s an expression of faith that recognizes God’s hand in our lives.
It’s easy to fall into the routine of religious practices without truly connecting with Jesus. Like the nine lepers who didn’t come back, we might get so used to our blessings that we overlook the source. When we live with a grateful heart, we’re acknowledging our dependence on God and keeping our faith vibrant and personal. In the busyness of life, gratitude helps us stay focused on the core of our relationship with Him.
This week, take some time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Make a point to thank Jesus for specific ways He has been present with you. Consider asking yourself:
How often do I take time to thank Jesus?
Do I more closely resemble the one who returned in gratitude or the nine who did not? What can I do this week to grow my faith through thankfulness?
Let gratitude become part of your daily walk with Jesus. It’s not just a one-time act but a way of responding to all the ways He is at work in our lives. As we go about our week, may we be like the one who returned—someone whose life is marked by a continual outpouring of gratitude, deepening our connection with our Savior and enriching our spiritual journey.
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