Jesus and the Ten Lepers

 

How would you like to be 1 out of 10 to get it right?

Well, I suppose that depends very much on what we are talking about. 

Gratitude is a fitting expression for those touched by God.

But not everyone will give thanks.

Some receive what God gives but fail to express their gratitude.

9 out of 10 lepers anyway!

 Let me offer you some proof -

Luke 17: 11-19

“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.”

 

One out of ten came back to express gratitude.

The one who did was a despised Samaritan.

He didn’t come back quietly either, it says he came back praising God in a loud voice and threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.

When he had the leprosy, he and the other nine stood at a distance from Jesus. Now, the lone grateful healed leper comes right up to Jesus, confident of his healing and throws himself at Jesus feet.

Now I can’t prove this next point but neither can you disprove it.

I believe this healed lepers’ response of gratitude revealed what would be a long term commitment and devotion to the one who had just healed him.

I believe Jesus had another Samaritan added to the Kingdom!

Gratitude will cause you to draw near to God.