One Grateful Leper

Read Luke 17:11-19.

When Jesus came to the lepers’ village, they kept their distance and shouted to Jesus at the top of their voices, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (Luke 17:13). When Jesus saw them, He instantly knew of their plight, misery, and isolation. Jesus also knew that the only way they could return to their homes and families, according to the law, was to be declared clean by the priests. “Go, show yourselves to the priests,” Jesus told them, and the lepers went immediately (v. 14).

As the lepers traveled to the priests, they noticed that they were being healed! The wonder that came over them in the midst of their deliverance must have been tremendous. Perhaps they began to run even faster, anticipating their reinstatement into community, into family, into life! While the ten lepers celebrated, one was so overcome by the gift of his healing that he turned and rushed back to Jesus.

While returning to Jesus, the leper began praising God in a loud voice, without inhibition or restraint. When he finally reached Jesus, the leper fell down at His feet, continuing to offer praise and thanksgiving to Him.

When this Samaritan leper returned, Jesus was struck by the fact that none of the Jewish lepers did likewise. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Jesus queried (vv. 17-18). Only one out of the ten lepers showed Jesus the gratitude He deserved.

How often do we, too, fail to give Jesus heartfelt praise for our blessings? Genuine gratitude is more than saying “thank You” when God answers our prayers. It is a posture of worship that recognizes every good gift comes from His gracious hand (see James 1:17). May we never become so focused on God’s blessings that we neglect to adore the one who gives them.

Prayer: Father, I pray that I would be like the one grateful leper, remembering to praise and thank You for all Your blessings. Thank You for saving me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.