Christians should live each day overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7). A spirit of thanksgiving should be obvious in the life of those who follow Jesus.

In Luke 17:11-19, we find an encounter with Jesus that is unique. It is only found in the gospel of Luke.

Jesus healed ten lepers.

  • As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem, He passes through the Samaria and Galilee. After entering a village, leprous men stood at a distance to meet Him (Luke 17:11-12). These men call out to Jesus and beg for His healing.
  • Leprosy is an awful disease. It usually begins with a small patch of discolored skin and spreads throughout the entire body. A person’s body is covered with sores and scabs. Eventually, the entire body becomes consumed and rotted.
  • Since there is no cure for leprosy, lepers were viewed as the “walking dead.” Their disease was contagious and resulted in them having to live in isolation.
  • Jesus shows compassion to ten lepers. He told them to go and get examined by the priests (a requirement under the Law). As they walked in faith, they were immediately made cleansed (Luke 17:13-14).
  • Sadly, after receiving their healing, only one returned to give glory to Jesus. This man was a Samaritan. Luke likes revealing the teaching Jesus gave where non-Jews are the good guys (Luke 4:24-27; 10:30-37).
  • The Samaritan who gave glory to Jesus for His healing teaches us many lessons about what we should do if we are truly grateful for God’s blessings.

He stopped and thanked the Lord.

  • While the other nine men continued making their way to the priests, only the Samaritan man turned back and thanked the Lord (Luke 17:15-18).
  • Why didn’t the other nine do the same? They probably got too excited and caught up in the joy of the moment. Have you ever fallen into the trap before?
  • Are there any people who have done something wonderful for you, and you need to stop and say, “Thank you?”

He perfected His faith.

  • These ten lepers needed to exercise faith if they were going to be healed (Luke 17:12-14). Naaman had to do the same (2 Kings 5:1-14).
  • By showing gratitude to Jesus, only the Samaritan perfected his faith (Luke 17:19). His spiritual standing with God was also made well!
  • How often do you consider how gratitude is closely connected to your faith (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 1:17; 5:1; Galatians 2:16)?

His grateful heart impacted Jesus.

  • Jesus was disappointed that only one healed leper showed Him gratitude (Luke 17:17-18).
  • The Lord feels disappointment when we refuse to show Him gratitude through prayer, worship, and faithful daily living (Colossians 3:17; 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7). The top way we demonstrate thankfulness for our blessings is by keeping the Lord’s commandments (John 14:15).

Conclusion:

Are you like the one healed leper or the other nine?