Luke 17:11-19
The Gospel of Luke tells the story of ten lepers healed. This is a remarkable miracle that Jesus performed to show His compassion for human sickness and suffering. Lepers were those rejected by society and forced by law to live apart from the community. They are an image of humanity living in despair due to sin. Leprosy caused sores, pain, and had no cure – much like sin defiles the soul and breaks the relationship between humans and God.
The ten lepers came to Jesus. They did not let their circumstances push them into despair but expressed faith through their cries. Jesus listened to their plea and clearly saw their situation. He did not only see their external illness but also their hidden pains inside. Jesus said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” His words required them to act in faith because the law allowed only those who were healed to present themselves to the priests. Yet, they obeyed. And as they went, the miracle occurred – their leprosy disappeared, and their bodies were healed.
The most remarkable thing in this story is not the miraculous healing, but the way people responded to God’s blessing. All ten were healed, but only one returned to thank Him. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” This is a challenging question about gratitude.
Gratitude is not merely a simple response but an attitude of appreciation for God’s grace, a form of spiritual worship that God expects. The one who returned not only received physical healing but also spiritual salvation, peace, righteousness, a relationship with God, and other blessings from Him.
As for the other nine – they were healed but forgot God, busy with their lives and did not remember to honor the One who blessed them.
This story reminds us: Don’t be like the other nine! Always remember God’s grace in every circumstance because gratitude unlocks more spiritual blessings.
Ask yourself: Are you like the one who returned to thank God, or like the other nine who receive grace and then forget Him?
Take time to stop, reflect, and express your gratitude – not just in words but through a life of reverence and obedience to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to always live with a grateful heart. Don’t let me forget You amidst the blessings You give, but help me return each day to glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
