Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) – “Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'”
Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we’re going to explore a story found in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus teaches us about gratitude through a miraculous healing. This narrative isn’t just about physical healing but speaks volumes about spiritual wellness through the lens of thankfulness.
I. The Cry for Mercy
The story begins with ten lepers, outcasts from society, calling out to Jesus for mercy. “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Their cry is a universal human plea for compassion and healing. Here, we see desperation but also faith in Jesus’ power to heal.
II. The Command to Faith
Jesus responds not by immediately healing them but by instructing them to “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” This act required faith; they had to trust before they saw the healing. And as they went, they were cleansed. Faith was the pathway to their miracle.
III. The Response of Gratitude
Among the ten, one, a Samaritan, turns back. Notice, he was not only healed but transformed by gratitude. He praised God in a loud voice and threw himself at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks. This act of gratitude wasn’t just for his healing but was a recognition of who Jesus was – not merely a healer but the Messiah.
IV. The Question of Jesus
Jesus, in His divine wisdom, doesn’t let this moment pass without reflection: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” This question isn’t just for the crowd around Him; it’s for us today. How often do we receive blessings, healing, or kindness and forget to return in gratitude?
V. The Blessing of the Grateful
Jesus tells the Samaritan, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” This statement implies more than physical healing; it suggests a deeper spiritual healing or wholeness. Gratitude, paired with faith, brought this man not just physical but also spiritual restoration.
Application:
Conclusion:
As we end this message, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves where we stand in this story. Are we among the nine who received yet forgot to return in thanks, or are we the one who, upon receiving, rushes back to give glory to God? Let this be a day of turning back, not just to thank Jesus for what He’s done, but for who He is.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your mercy and healing. Help us to be like the Samaritan, filled with a heart of gratitude that turns back to You in praise and worship. Let our faith and thankfulness make us whole. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.