Theme of the Week: Attitude of Gratitude
Bible Verse: 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.” Luke 17:15-19
Scripture Reading: Luke 17:11-19
There are so many fascinating parts in the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers. Not the least of which is the question of what did Jesus mean when he told the Samaritan that his faith had made him well . . . he was already cured of the leprosy. But the most interesting fact is that the Samaritan came back at all. He came back to say thank you, to express his deep and profound gratitude for what Jesus had done for him.
We may think it’s a no-brainer to be grateful for healing and to turn around and show that gratitude. The other nine didn’t so maybe it’s not as easy as it seems. The reason that the actions of the nine are understandable and those of the Samaritan so impressive lies in the implications of leprosy.
Lepers had to separate themselves from everyone else. Not just society broadly conceived. If a person contracted leprosy, they lost everything—family, home, everything. They were required to be separated. Healing meant they could go home. They could see their family again. Who knows how long it had been!
Maybe it’s understandable that the other nine were caught up in their thoughts of going home to family. But that’s exactly what makes the gratitude of the Samaritan so significant. He realized what he had been given and though every fiber of his being likely burned to return to his family, he set that aside to tell Jesus thank you for what he had done.
It’s easy to think we would be the Samaritan. It’s easier to be one of the other nine.
Prayer: Jesus, I have probably been one of the other nine more times than I know. I owe you so much and I have so much to be thankful for. Forgive me for not being grateful for all you have done.
Reflection: How do you make sure you show the proper gratitude to Jesus for what he has done? Thank God this week for something you haven’t yet.
Copyright © 2022 Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada. All rights reserved.
About
